An online intervention to improve oncology health professional self-efficacy in communicating with carers: Hybrid effectiveness-implementation evaluation of the eTRIO program

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2024-07, Vol.124, p.108251-108251, Article 108251
• Main Authors: Laidsaar-Powell, Rebekah, Giunta, Sarah, Butow, Phyllis, Turner, Sandra, Costa, Daniel, Saunders, Christobel, Koczwara, Bogda, Kay, Judy, Jefford, Michael, Schofield, Penelope, Boyle, Frances, Yates, Patsy, White, Kate, Sundaresan, Puma, Varadarajan, Suganthy, Juraskova, Ilona
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Caregivers - psychology; Communication; Communication skills training; Decision Making; Family carers; Female; Health Personnel - psychology; Health professional; Humans; Internet-Based Intervention; Male; Medical Oncology; Middle Aged; Oncology; Online education; Program Evaluation; Self Efficacy
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108251

Many oncology health professionals (HPs) report communicating with carers as complex; and receive limited carer-relevant training. We developed an online HP education program for supporting and managing carer involvement (eTRIO). We aimed to assess whether HPs’ self-efficacy in carer communication, knowledge, and decision-making preferences improve following eTRIO. Satisfaction and implementation potential were assessed. This type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study used a pre-post single arm intervention design. HPs completed baseline measures, the eTRIO online module, and measures at 1- and 12-weeks post-intervention. Measures included: self-efficacy in carer communication (13-items), applied knowledge (7-items), preference for carer involvement in decisions (1-item). Fifteen of participants completed feedback interviews which underwent thematic analysis. User analytics were collected and analysed. Fifty-six HPs completed baseline measures, 42 completed post- and follow-up measures. At baseline mean self-efficacy score was 88. HPs showed a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy post-intervention (mean = 105.8, CI [12.99, 20.47]), maintained at 12-weeks (mean = 101.1, CI [8.00, 15.72]). There were no changes in knowledge or decision-making preferences. Program engagement and satisfaction were high, 86.7% participants rated eTRIO as very/extremely helpful. eTRIO provided HPs with confidence to effectively engage with carers and manage complex situations such as family dominance. These gains are noteworthy, as conflict with families/carers contributes to HP burnout. •Health professionals (HPs) typically receive limited education in communicating with carers.•eTRIO is an online communication training program including videos, interactive activities.•42 cancer HPs evaluated eTRIO as useful, comprehensive; user engagement and satisfaction was high.•HP’s self-efficacy in communicating with cancer carers increased after eTRIO.•Gains in self-efficacy were maintained 3-months post eTRIO completion.