Virtual peer role-play during COVID-19 pandemic for teaching medical students how to break bad news

In order to cope with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and meet with the educational needs of medical students, we have evaluated the virtual peer role-plays (VPRP), an innovative approach to teach breaking bad news communication skills to medical students. Three scenarios of relational simulation were successively proposed to 237 medical students divided in 10 groups, each supervised by two teachers. Pre- and post-VPRP questionnaires were submitted to evaluate students’ satisfaction. The response rate of the pre- and post-VPRP questionnaires were 89% and 52% respectively. Two-thirds of the students had never participated in a peer role-play session. Most students had low level of confidence in breaking bad news communication and were motivated to participate to the VPRP session. Students’ satisfaction on VPRP session regarding quality (realism, organization), interest, perceived benefits was very positive. In conclusion, VPRP are feasible, of low cost (no material is required), applicable to other healthcare students and is relevant to the growth of teleconsultation.