Communication skills training for oncologists

Abstract

Oncologists' communication behaviors that patients prefer were linked to lower psychological distress and higher satisfaction in patients. ESMO and ASCO recommend communication skills training for a Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology in 2016. New communication skills training (CST) program was developed based on the patient preference studies in Japan. The 2‐days participants' centered CST program (SHARECST) adopted the conceptual model consisting of four dimensions, referred to as SHARE: S, setting up; H, considering how to deliver the bad news; A, discussing various additional information; and RE, provision of reassurance and emotional support. To evaluate effectivity of the SHARE‐CST, 30 oncologists were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG) and assessed on their communication performance during simulated consultation and their confidence in communicating at baseline and follow‐up. At follow‐up 601 patients who had consultations with the participating oncologists were assessed regarding their distress using HADS, satisfaction with the consultation, and trust in their oncologist. In the results, the performance scores of IG had improved significantly at the follow‐up, compared with those of CG. Oncologists in IG were rated higher at follow‐up than those in CG in terms of their confidence. Patients who had met oncologists in IG were significantly less depressed than those of CG. These results showed that the SHARE‐CST program is effective for both oncologists and patients with cancer. The SHARE‐CST have been adopted by the Health Ministry led by the National Cancer Control Act implemented in April 2007, Japan. During these ten years, approximately 1360 oncologists had participated in the CST, and 189 oncologists and psychooncologists had been obtained the certification as a facilitator of the CST. It is expected to make widespread efforts toward promote education on communication for medical staffs.