Table 1 Overview on measures using a modified version of Kirkpatrick’s four levels of training evaluation [21]

Level 1: Reaction (What are participants’ reactions to the CST?)

 Rating of the training (self-developed)

X

Level 2: Learning (What is the impact of the CST on participants’ self-efficacy regarding communication with patients, knowledge about patient-centered communication, communication skills, and attitudes towards medical communication?

Primary outcome: Self-efficacy regarding communication skills with patients (SE-12-G)

X

X

X

 Subjective knowledge (self-developed)

X

X

X

 Objective knowledge (self-developed)

X

X

X

 Attitudes towards medical communication (Attitudes Towards Medical Communication Scale)

X

X

Level 3: Behavior (What is the impact of the CST on participants’ communication behavior with patients?)

 Communication skills from external observers’ perspective (SPAs to assess communication skills)

X

 Communication skills from simulation patients’ perspective (EPAT items (short version))

X

 Self-assessed communication skills applied at SPA (EPAT items (short version), adapted to HCPs)

X

 Covariate: Performance test anxiety (PTA)

X

Level 4: Results (What is the impact of the CST on participants’ work-related mental burden?)

 Professional fulfillment (PFI-G)

X

X

X

 Depression & anxiety (PHQ-4)

X

X

X

 Subjective working capacities (dimension 1 and 2 of WAI)

X

X

X

Covariate (What factors may have an influence on the results of the four levels?)

 Impact of contamination (self-developed)

IG

X

CG

X

X

X

 Perceived person-centeredness of healthcare settings (EPAT, short version)

X

X