Enhancing Student Communication Skills Through Arabic Language Competency and Simulated Patient Assessments.

To assess student communication and patient management skill with introduction of Arabic and use of simulated patient assessments to a communication and counseling course. Five, 3-hour tutorials (clinical skill laboratory) were added to the course covering: listening and empathic responding, non-verbal communications, interviewing skills, assertiveness, counseling in special situations: conflict, anger, worry or rushed situations, and professional decision making. Arabic content was introduced to the course to enhance Arabic communications and competence among students.