# An Adaptive Learning Platform for Provider Soft Skills Training to Improve Patient Outcomes

> **NIH NIH R43** · KISHO MEDIA LLC · 2021 · $55,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs are evolving as rehabilitation facilities strive to
determine the most effective way to treat this complex issue. While studies have analyzed the
association between soft skill competency measures and clinical outcomes in various patient
populations, little is known about the effects of implementing approaches to treat SUD patients by
providing staff with key soft skills training. To gain a better understanding of effective SUD
treatment approaches, we will focus on developing Premedly, an innovative learning
platform to help addiction treatment providers add key soft skill competencies to improve
patient outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to provide health care staff with an added level of
qualifications beyond their traditional training and education. Addiction treatment facilities need to
strongly consider soft skill measures along with clinical skills when developing approaches to
treating SUD patients. In general, the soft skills competency levels of many health care providers
and staff do not meet industry expectations. This issue is considered significant because in the
clinical setting, a lack of soft skills (i.e. demonstrating compassion, embracing diversity, effective
communication, fostering collaboration) can lead to poor patient experiences and suboptimal
patient outcomes. Moreover, studies have found that health care professionals commonly hold
negative views toward patients with SUD, an attitude we believe can be mitigated by a well-
developed soft skills training program. Soft skills are central to patient-centered care, however
existing training and curricula is inadequate and outdated when it comes to providing knowledge
and awareness around soft skill competencies. Many healthcare providers and staff feel “poorly”
or “very poorly” prepared to implement quality improvement measures, like compassionate care.
Furthermore, the burden to train for soft skills falls on academic programs, which are largely
focused on clinical content, or health care employers which are left to train staff under broad
workforce development curricula. Our goal is to develop a learning platform and training
framework that enables addiction treatment providers to develop awareness and actionable skills
key to the successful treatment of patients with SUD and determine whether these soft skills will
improve patient treatment outcomes. We expect our findings to not only have a positive effect for
SUD patients but also patients within the broader health care community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10339791
- **Project number:** 3R43DA051062-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** KISHO MEDIA LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** TASHEEMA PRINCE
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $55,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-15 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10339791

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10339791, An Adaptive Learning Platform for Provider Soft Skills Training to Improve Patient Outcomes (3R43DA051062-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10339791. Licensed CC0.

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