Communication about uncertainty and hope: A randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a communication skills training program for physicians caring for cancer patients

BMC Cancer

Christine Reynaert¹  Darius Razavi²  Livia Peternelj²  Isabelle Merckaert²  Yves Libert²  Aurore Liénard²  Isabelle Bragard³ 

[1] Université Catholique de Louvain, Faculté de Médecine;Université Libre de Bruxelles, Faculté des Sciences Psychologiques et de l’Éducation;Université de Liège, Faculté des Sciences Psychologiques et de l’Éducation;

关键词: Uncertainty;    Hope;    Cancer;    Communication skills training;    Physicians;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12885-017-3437-8

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Although previous studies have reported the efficacy of communication skills training (CST) programs, specific training addressing communication about uncertainty and hope in oncology has not yet been studied. This paper describes the study protocol of a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a CST program aimed at improving physician ability to communicate about uncertainty and hope in encounters with cancer patients. Methods/design Physician participants will be randomly assigned in groups (n = 3/group) to a 30-h CST program (experimental group) or to a waiting list (control group). The training program will include learner-centered, skills-focused, practice-oriented techniques. Training efficacy is assessed in the context of an encounter with a simulated advanced stage cancer patient at baseline and after the CST for the experimental group, and after four months for the waiting-list group. Efficacy assessments will include communicational, psychological and physiological measures. Group-by-time effects will be analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE). A power analysis indicated that a sample size of 60 (30 experimental and 30 control) participants will be sufficient to detect effects. Discussion The current study will aid in the development of effective CST programs to improve physician ability to communicate about uncertainty and hope in encounters with cancer patients. Trial registration US Clinical Trials Register NCT02836197 .

【 授权许可】

Unknown