Training Programs for Improving Communication about Medical Research and Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide recommendations on the structure, materials, and outcomes that should be adopted for communication training programs designed to improve clinical trial education for patients. Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted. A total of 22 studies were included. Several dimensions were analyzed, such as program design, content development, pedagogical tools, content of the program, and the outcomes affected. Results: The trainings described in the articles analyzed generally took the form of workshops and were developed by groups of heterogeneous experts. Trainings used a variety of educational materials and activities often developed by the research team hosting the training. The outcome measures and assessment methods were not consistent among the trainings, which hinders the ability to statistically synthetize findings. Conclusions: Findings from the review point to a number of recommendations for the development of future clinical research communication training programs. Training programs should be developed by a team of experts with a range of expertise and should be organized in the form of workshops. Participants should be able to role-play newly acquired communication skills using standardized patients.