Bethany Klett, MD; Siobhan M. McDonnell, MS; Staci A. Young, PhD; Ke Yan, PhD; Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed, PhD; Ryan Freund; Robert Treat, PhD; Michael B. Pitt, MD; Scott R. Welak, MD; Sarah Mooney, MD; Kris Harlander Saudek, MD; Ruby Gupta, MD; Mir A. Basir, MD
WMJ. 2026;125(4):502-505. Published November 1, 2026.
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ABSTRACT
Background: Physician training in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) emphasizes diagnosis and procedures, whereas communication training is often sporadic.
Objective: We sought to assess the feasibility of smartphone-based animated videos to teach communication skills to physicians in the NICU.
Methods: Eight videos modeling communication best practices were delivered twice weekly via text messages. Software tracked video use, and participants provided feedback through surveys.
Results: Of the 29 participants, 19 (66%) viewed some or all the videos. Participants reported implementing the communication techniques and making changes to their communication style. Two months postintervention, the 7 physicians who completed follow-up surveys reported sustained use of learned skills.
Conclusions: Communication training delivered via smartphone through short, animated videos is a feasible and well-received approach for physicians in the NICU.