Improving physician-patient communication in cancer care: outcome of a workshop for oncologists.

BACKGROUND

Physicians caring for cancer patients receive little formal training in difficult communications such as breaking bad news, discussing life support, and addressing patients' emotional concerns.

METHODS

The authors conducted a three-day workshop in communication skills for nine oncology attendings and three fellows. Topics for the workshop were selected by participants by a pre-workshop questionnaire. Small groups of four to five participants interviewed simulated patients who role-played scripts based on the selected topics. Sessions on self-awareness and one on planning for continuing the work of the group after the workshop were included.

RESULTS

Responses to pretest and posttest questionnaires showed that the workshop increased the participants' confidence in a number of communication areas and also in managing physician burnout. Process issues such as patient death and expectations for cure were also discussed.

CONCLUSION

Interactive workshops offer a promising way of teaching communication skills and aspects of the physician-patient relationship to oncologists. Conclusions regarding outcome, however, are preliminary and tentative, and long-term results are uncertain.