Discussing prognosis in an oncology setting: Initial evaluation of a communication skills training module Journal Article
| Authors: | Brown, R.; Bylund, C. L.; Eddington, J.; Gueguen, J. A.; Kissane, D. W. |
| Article Title: | Discussing prognosis in an oncology setting: Initial evaluation of a communication skills training module |
| Abstract: | Objective: Although cancer patients from Western countries have high needs for prognostic information, the frequency of such discussions in oncology consultations is variable. Prognosis is a difficult discussion area for both physicians and patients. Physician focused Communication Skills Training (CST) has been suggested as a means to aid these discussions. We developed and tested a CST module about discussing prognosis. Training consisted of didactic teaching, exemplary video and role-play sessions. The study aim was to develop the module and evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Method: One hundred and forty-two clinicians from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the New York City area voluntarily participated in the training module over a two-year period. The module was based on current literature and followed the Comskil model previously utilized for other doctor-patient CSTs. Participants completed pre and post surveys to evaluate their own confidence as well as the helpfulness of the module. Results: Based on a retrospective pre-post measure, participants reported an increase in their confidence about discussing prognosis (t 141 = -9.331, p < 0.001). At least 92% of participants reported their satisfaction with components of the module by either agreeing or strongly agreeing with 5/6 different statements included in their evaluation forms. Conclusions: This short training program demonstrated success in improving physician confidence to discuss prognosis and self-efficacy. This result, coupled with the participant's intent to utilize new skills in clinical encounters, suggests that this is a useful module. Future research will target changes in patient outcomes as a result of the physician training. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
| Keywords: | major clinical study; united states; outcome assessment; neoplasms; health survey; oncology; retrospective study; cancer center; doctor patient relation; training; clinical competence; physician-patient relations; medical oncology; new york city; communication skills training; communication skill; satisfaction; program development; health personnel attitude; medical personnel; doctor patient communication; communication skill training; verbal behavior |
| Journal Title: | Psycho-Oncology |
| Volume: | 19 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| ISSN: | 1057-9249 |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons |
| Date Published: | 2010-04-01 |
| Start Page: | 408 |
| End Page: | 414 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/pon.1580 |
| PUBMED: | 19441006 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Export Date: 20 April 2011" - "CODEN: POJCE" - "Source: Scopus" |
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