Jennifer A. Gueguen

The implementation and assessment of a comprehensive communication skills training curriculum for oncologists

Objective: The objective of this paper is to report the implementation and assessment of the Comskil Training Curriculum at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center.

Doctor–Patient Communication About Cancer-Related Internet Information

This article explores the effect of doctor–patient communication about cancer-related Internet information on self-reported outcomes. Two hundred and thirty cancer patients and caregivers completed an online survey regarding their experiences searching for and discussing with their doctors cancer-related Internet information. Participants who assertively introduced the Internet information in a consultation were more likely to have their doctor agree with the information. When doctors showed interest and involvement and took the information seriously, participants were less likely to report a desire to change the doctors response. Taking the information seriously was also associated with greater satisfaction. This preliminary evidence that the doctors response is associated with patient outcomes indicates the potential for improving patient-centered communication. In an effort to maximize patient-centered communication, doctors should be encouraged to take their patients and the information they present seriously, as well as show their patients that they are interested and involved.

Conducting family meetings in palliative care: Themes, techniques, and preliminary evaluation of a communication skills module

OBJECTIVE To develop a communication skills training module for health care professionals about how to conduct a family meeting in palliative care and to evaluate the module in terms of participant self-efficacy and satisfaction. METHODS Forty multispecialty health care professionals from the New York metropolitan area attended a communication skills training module at a Comprehensive Cancer Center about how to conduct a family meeting in oncology. The modular content was based on the Comskil model and current literature in the field. RESULTS Based on a retrospective pre-post measure, participants reported a significant increase in self-efficacy about their ability to conduct a family meeting. Furthermore, at least 93% of participants expressed their satisfaction with various aspects of the module by agreeing or strongly agreeing with statements on the course evaluation form. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Family meetings play a significant role in the palliative care setting, where family support for planning and continuing care is vital to optimize patient care. Although these meetings can be challenging, this communication skills module is effective in increasing the confidence of participants in conducting a family meeting.

Discussing prognosis in an oncology setting: initial evaluation of a communication skills training module

Objective: Although cancer patients from Western countries have high needs for prognostic information, the frequency of such discussions in oncology consultations is variable. Prognosis is a difficult discussion area for both physicians and patients. Physician focused Communication Skills Training (CST) has been suggested as a means to aid these discussions. We developed and tested a CST module about discussing prognosis. Training consisted of didactic teaching, exemplary video and role‐play sessions. The study aim was to develop the module and evaluate the effectiveness of the training.