Participative development and evaluation of a communication skills–training program for oncologists—patient perspectives on training content and teaching methods

Abstract Background Using the 6-step approach to curriculum development for medical education, we developed a communication skills training (CST) curriculum for oncology and evaluated this curriculum from the perspective of cancer patients. Methods We conducted a qualitative interview study with cancer patients, collecting data using semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews with a short standardized survey. We fully transcribed the audiotaped interviews and conducted the content analysis using MAXQDA 2020. We analyzed the quantitative sociodemographic data descriptively. Results A total of 22 cancer patients participated, having a mean age of 60.6 (SD, 13.2) years and being predominantly female (55%). The patients believed that the CST curriculum addressed important aspects of patient-centered communication in cancer care. They emphasized the importance of physicians acquiring communication skills to establish a trusting relationship between doctor and patient, show empathy, inform patients, and involve them in treatment decisions. The patients had some doubts concerning the usefulness of strict protocols or checklists (e.g., they feared that protocol adherence might disturb the conversation flow). Discussion Although it was a challenge for some participants to take the perspective of a trainer and comment on the CST content and teaching methods, the patients provided a valuable perspective that can help overcome blind spots in CST concepts.

Download Full-text

Principles of Communication Skills Training in Cancer Care across the Life Span and Illness Trajectory

Psycho-Oncology ◽

10.1093/med/9780190097653.003.0099 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 791-798

Author(s):

David W. Kissane ◽

Carma L. Bylund

Keyword(s):

Communication Skills ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Core Curriculum ◽

Decision Aids ◽

Skills Training ◽

Communication Skills Training ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Open Questions ◽

Communication Challenges ◽

Question Prompt

Evidence is growing that communication skills training can help clinicians to become more empathic and use open questions in a patient-centered manner. More work is needed to see these gains translate into improved patient outcomes. A core curriculum has matured as a conventional component of training in cancer care. Strong evidence supports the use of question prompt lists, decision aids, and audio recording of important consultations for later review by the patient and family. Gains are being made with communication challenges such as discussing internet-derived information. Patient training about optimizing their communication has started to complete the reciprocal interaction.

Download Full-text

Ambulatory care nurses responding to depression

10.1093/med/9780198736134.003.0029 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Anthony De La Cruz ◽

Richard F. Brown ◽

Steve Passik

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Skills Training ◽

Communication Skills Training ◽

Common Occurrence ◽

Treatment Of Depression ◽

Patient’S Experience ◽

Patients At Risk ◽

Risks Factors

Depression is a common occurrence among cancer patients; however, it goes undetected by healthcare providers in about 50% of cases. Ambulatory nurses are in a key position to identify and respond to a patient’s emotional distress and aid in the detection of patients at risk for or suffering from depression. Programmes in communication skills training have been shown to help nurses detect and respond to patient depression. A model of core communication components consisting of strategies, skills, and process tasks is presented. This model will enable nurses to gain an understanding of the patient’s experience and assist in the recognition and treatment of depression. The results of a pilot programme utilizing this model and skills will also be presented. An overview of the nature of depression and risks factors and barriers to the identification of depression is presented.

Download Full-text

Communication skills training for the radiotherapy team to manage cancer patients’ emotional concerns: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025420 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e025420 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mara Myrthe van Beusekom ◽

Josie Cameron ◽

Carolyn Bedi ◽

Elspeth Banks ◽

Gerald Humphris

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Skills Training ◽

Well Being ◽

Repeated Measurements ◽

Communication Skills Training ◽

Patient Anxiety ◽

Positive Effect

ObjectivesMany cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety and concern during radiotherapy, often with long-lasting effects on their well-being. This systematic review aims to describe and determine the effectiveness of communication skills training (CST) for the radiotherapy team (RT) to improve conversations in this setting and to support patients with emotional concerns.DesignSystematic review.InterventionsCST for RT members.Data sourcesOn 17 April 2018, databases Medline, Embase, Scopus and PsycNET were searched.Eligibility criteria, Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome(PICO)Quantitative and/or qualitative articles were included that evaluate the effect of a CST for RT members (vs no CST) on communication behaviours and patients’ emotional concerns.Data extraction and synthesisArticles were appraised using the mixed-methods appraisal tool, and a narrative synthesis was performed.ResultsOf the nine included articles, five were randomised controlled trials, three were mixed-methods and one used repeated measurements. Four of the five different CST programmes managed to increase emotional communicative behaviour from the RT, and all studies measuring patient communicative behaviour found an improvement in at least one of the hypothesised outcomes. Two studies examining patient anxiety and concerns found a positive effect of the CST, although one found a negative effect; two other studies without a positive effect on mood made use of both empathic CST and tools.ConclusionsThere are promising indications that CST can be successfully introduced to improve emotional conversations between RT members and patients. With the right support, the RT can play an important role to help patients cope with their emotional concerns. Future work is necessary to confirm initial promising results and to ensure the learnt communication skills are sustained.

Download Full-text

Developing Patient-Centered Communication Skills Training for Oncologists: Describing the Content and Efficacy of Training

Communication Education ◽

10.1080/03634521003606210 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 235-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Richard F. Brown ◽

Carma L. Bylund ◽

Jennifer A. Gueguen ◽

Catherine Diamond ◽

Julia Eddington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Communication Skills ◽

Skills Training ◽

Communication Skills Training ◽

Patient Centered

Download Full-text

Discussing the transition to palliative care: Evaluation of a brief communication skills training program for oncology clinicians

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951510000313 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 441-447 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Michelle N. Grainger ◽

Sue Hegarty ◽

Penelope Schofield ◽

Vicki White ◽

Michael Jefford

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Skills Training ◽

Simulated Patients ◽

Communication Skills Training ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Practical Information ◽

Care Evaluation

AbstractObjective:Discussing the transition from active anti-cancer treatment to palliative care can be difficult for cancer patients and oncology health professionals (OHP). We developed a brief communication skills workshop to assist OHP with these conversations, and examined satisfaction with the workshop and perceived confidence regarding these discussions.Method:Interactive workshops were conducted by trained facilitators and included cognitive, behavioral, and experiential components. The major component of the workshop involved role-plays with trained actors (simulated patients). Participants completed an evaluation questionnaire.Results:Sixty-two OHP participated in workshops. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the workshop content and format. All participants felt the workshop provided relevant practical information, and >80% thought that participation benefited their work. Over 98% said that the workshop had increased confidence in their communication skills.Significance of results:Participants were very satisfied with the workshop, and thought that participation increased confidence in communicating about the transition to palliative care. Dissemination of this model of communication skills training seems warranted.

Download Full-text