Table 4 Summary of performance based on SPIKES vs. IMA assessment tools

SPIKES protocol

 Introduced self

0.91

0.19

0.94

0.17

-

 Setting the environment

0.97

0.13

0.99

0.05

-

 Gauging perceptions

0.92

0.22

0.91

0.22

-

 Invitation

0.16

0.37

0.10

0.31

-

 Knowledge 1

0.92

0.27

0.96

0.18

-

 Knowledge 2

0.86

0.25

0.84

0.27

-

 Empathy

0.84

0.25

0.77

0.25

-

 Strategy and summary

0.99

0.28

0.99

0.05

-

 Mean total score (out of 8)

6.56

0.98

6.52

0.75

0.70

Integrated Milestone Assessment

 Professional and respectful interactions (Prof)

2.3

0.8

2.2

0.6

-

 Responds to each patient’s needs/characteristics (ICS)

2.2

0.9

1.8

0.8

-

 Communicates effectively with patients/caregivers (ICS)

2.3

0.8

1.9

0.8

-

 Mean total score (out of 9)

6.81

2.35

5.82

1.93

 < 0.001