Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy of a Communication Skills Training Program

Summary

Background: Although previous studies have reported the efficacy of communication skills training programs (CST), 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: Physician participants will be randomly assigned in groups (n = 3/group) to a 30-hour 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.

Conditions

• Physician Patient Relationship

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Communication skills training

The general aim of the communication skills training program is to help physicians learn effective communication skills in contexts of high uncertainty. The training will last 30 hours, will be spread over 4 months. The training will be conducted by group of 3 subjects. The training will include mainly role-plays, theoretical information and modeling techniques. A training manual has been developed to increase content standardization and reduce potential group or trainee biases. The role-plays will be based on clinical cases brought up by the participants.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Université Libre de Bruxelles

  collaborator OTHER

• Université Catholique de Louvain

  collaborator OTHER

• Université de Liège

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre de Psycho-Oncologie (CPO)

  collaborator OTHER

• Jules Bordet Institute

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-08-31

Primary Completion

2018-09-30

Completion

2022-09-30

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations