Efficacy of a Cancer Research UK communication skills training model for oncologists: a randomised controlled trial

Doctors' communication with patients is commonly hampered by lack of training in this core skill. Assessed the efficacy of an intensive 3-day training course on communication skills in a randomised controlled trial with a 2 x 2 factorial design and several outcomes. Oncologists from 34 UK cance...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Lancet (British edition) 2002-02, Vol.23, p.650-656
Main Authors: Fallowfield, L, Jenkins, V, Farewell, V, Saul, J, Duffy, A, Eves, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cancer
Communication skills training
Doctor-Patient interactions
Efficacy
Randomized controlled trials
Treatment
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Summary:Doctors' communication with patients is commonly hampered by lack of training in this core skill. Assessed the efficacy of an intensive 3-day training course on communication skills in a randomised controlled trial with a 2 x 2 factorial design and several outcomes. Oncologists from 34 UK cancer centres were randomly allocated to 4 groups: written feedback followed by course; course alone; written feedback alone; and control. Course content included structured feedback, videotape review of consultations, role-play with simulated patients, interactive group demonstrations, and discussion led by a trained facilitator. Found that the communication problems of senior doctors working in cancer medicine are not resolved by time and clinical experience, but courses significantly improve key communication skills. (Original abstract - amended)
ISSN:0140-6736