Objectives: To determine reliability and validity of the Patient-centered Communication Tools (PaCT).

Method: Faculty trained in using PaCT assessed student pharmacist video performances of standardized patient interviews. Performances were rated on a 5-point scale for 22 analyzed skills grouped into five tools: (A) Establish a Connection, (B) Explore and Integrate the Patient’s Perspective, (C) Demonstrate Interest and

Empathy, (D) Collaborate and Educate, and (E) Communicate with Finesse. Two analyses evaluated reliability: the same faculty member rating and re-rating a video three months later (reliability) and two faculty members rating a video for the first time (inter-rater reliability). To assess predictive validity and tool sensitivity/specificity,

performance scores by trained raters of both the PaCT and another validated tool, the Four Habits Model (FHM), were compared.

Results: For reliability analysis, total scores were well correlated (r=0.75, p<0.001). Correlations were also significant for tools C, D, and E (p<0.01). Tools A and B correlated at a p<0.10, approaching significance. Fifteen of 22 analyzed skills were significantly correlated. Inter-rater reliability results were more limited with significant correlations for 5 of 22 analyzed skills, significant correlations for tools C (p<0.01) and E (p<0.05), and no overall total correlation. The total PaCT and FHM scores were significantly correlated (r=0.71, p<0.05) supporting the validity of the PaCT.

Implications: The PaCT is now a validated assessment tool indicated for measuring student pharmacist’s communication. Further rater training or editing of individual skills may improve inter-rater reliability.