Impact of Communication Skills Training in Oncology
Author Information
Author(s): Lesley Fallowfield, Valerie Jenkins, Vern Farewell, Ivonne Solis-Trapala
Primary Institution: Cancer Research UK Psychosocial Oncology Group, Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Hypothesis
Does communication skills training improve oncologists' communication with patients over time?
Conclusion
The study found that communication skills training for oncologists had lasting positive effects on their communication behaviors with patients even 12 months after the training.
Supporting Evidence
- Doctors showed significant improvements in communication skills three months after training.
- Many of the improved communication behaviors were maintained 12 months post-training.
- Participants reported high satisfaction with the training course and its relevance to their practice.
Takeaway
Doctors who learned better ways to talk to patients kept using those skills even a year later, which helps patients feel more understood.
Methodology
The study used a randomized controlled trial design with follow-up assessments of communication behaviors in oncologists after training.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures and the subjective nature of communication assessments.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to specific cancer centers in the UK.
Participant Demographics
55 male and 19 female clinicians, including 48 consultants and 26 senior specialist registrars.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.005 for focused and open questions, P=0.003 for expressions of empathy, P=0.026 for appropriate responses to cues.
Confidence Interval
95% CI for expressions of empathy was (0.33, 0.65).
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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