PHILADELPHIA, PA — NBME has launched a new learning tool aimed at strengthening one of medicine’s most critical skills long before students enter clinical rotations: patient-centered communication.
The organization announced the availability of its Communication Learning Assessment, or CLA, a formative assessment designed to help medical students practice real-world conversations with patients early in their training. The tool uses realistic, diverse case vignettes that require students to listen to patient concerns and respond in their own words, reinforcing communication as a learned and measurable clinical competency.
An NBME efficacy study found that students who used CLA with full feedback and reflection features had 43% higher odds of demonstrating patient-centered communication behaviors over time. In addition, 90% of participating students reported increased confidence in their ability to communicate effectively with patients after completing the assessment.
“As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how strong physician-patient communication often leads to greater patient satisfaction and ultimately improved outcomes,” said Peter J. Katsufrakis, president and chief executive officer of NBME. He said the tool is designed to support practice readiness by embedding communication skill development early and intentionally in medical education.
CLA is built for pre-clerkship students and provides a structured, low-risk environment to practice core skills such as delivering information clearly, responding to patient emotions, and building therapeutic relationships. When accessed through a mobile app, students receive assigned cases, record their responses, and complete guided self-assessments.
Medical school faculty members can monitor progress through an accompanying dashboard that tracks aggregate performance, allowing schools to identify trends and learning needs without turning the tool into a high-stakes exam.
NBME said the development of CLA reflects its broader commitment to formative assessment, emphasizing learning, reflection, and growth rather than solely evaluation. The assessment is currently available free of charge to medical schools through the MyNBME Services Portal.
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