Effects of On-site Supportive Communication Training (On-site SCT) on doctor-patient communication in oncology: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Kerstin Kiis Antonsen, Lars Henrik Jensen (Member of author group), Laurids Østergaard Poulsen (Member of author group), Lea Lund (Member of author group), Anna Thit Johnsen (Member of author group)

Research output: Contribution to conference without publisher/journalPosterResearch

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Abstract

Background
The quality of communication in oncology significantly impacts patients' health outcomes, as poor communication increases the risk of unnecessary treatment, inadequate pain relief, higher anxiety levels, and acute hospitalizations.

Additionally, insufficient communication skills training (CST) is associated with stress, low job satisfaction, and burnout among doctors working in oncology.

Research gap and aim
While acknowledging the importance of effective communication, the specific features of successful CST remain uncertain.

Our aim is to bridge the gap by proposing a novel approach: On-site Supportive Communication Training (On-site SCT).

Setting and method
This randomized multicenter trial was conducted at three departments of oncology in Denmark during the fall/winter of 2023/2024.

Eighty-nine doctors were randomized 1:1 into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in three full days of on-site SCT, facilitated by trained psychologists. The control group maintained standard practice.

Intervention
On-site SCT integrates knowledge from previous studies but is the first randomized controlled trial to employ real-time doctor-patient interactions during CST.

On-site SCT is based on action learning and focuses on imparting communication techniques, establishing a reflective learning environment, and providing emotional support with a compassionate mindset.

Results
Results are pending.

The primary endpoint is the change in percentage of items rated as “excellent” by patients on the validated 15-item Communication Assessment Tool.

Secondary endpoints include changes in doctors’ ratings of self-efficacy in health communication, burnout, and job satisfaction, measured by questionnaires.

Qualitative interviews have been conducted with the doctors after the intervention to evaluate its relevance, feasibility, and working mechanisms.

Perspectives
If On-Site SCT proves to be feasible and efficient, it could become a scalable concept for communication skills training in oncology and other healthcare settings.
Translated title of the contributionStøttende kommunikationstræning i kræftambulatoriet: Et lodtrækningsstudie
Original languageEnglish
Publication date6. Jun 2024
Publication statusPublished - 6. Jun 2024
EventKunsten at kommunikere // The art of communication: Når der er meget på spil // When much is at stake - Hindsgavl Slot, Middelfart, Denmark
Duration: 6. Jun 20247. Jun 2024
https://www.cfpk.dk/aktiviteter/konferencen-kunsten-at-kommunikere-2024/

Conference

ConferenceKunsten at kommunikere // The art of communication
LocationHindsgavl Slot
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityMiddelfart
Period06/06/202407/06/2024
Internet address

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