Communication Skills and Soft Skills in Rehabilitation: A Research Project

In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to soft skills in the workplace, prompting academic institutions to design educational programs aimed at strengthening these competencies. Situated at the intersection of Higher Education Studies and Health Professions Education within the rehabilitation context, this study examines transversal and commu­nication skills among future rehabilitation professionals enrolled in undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree, EQF level 6) and graduate (Master’s Degree, EQF level 7) programs. Although these competencies are considered essential for professional practice, the literature addressing them in rehabilitation education remains limited. A total of 41 students completed an online questionnaire assessing soft skills and communication attitudes through the Passport Test and the Communication Skills Attitude Scale, alongside socio­demographic variables. The results revealed significant correlations among transversal skills, between transversal skills and communication attitudes, and with age and work experience. These findings highlight the importance of systematically assessing and fostering soft skills from the early stages of training in order to enhance care quality, promote interprofessional collaboration, and mitigate stress and burnout.