Development and evaluation of a brief, peer-led communication skills training program for cancer clinicians

Abstract

Aim: To develop a brief, peer-led communication skills training program for cancer clinicians working in the state of Victoria in response to mounting evidence of the detrimental effects of poor doctor-patient communication. The first workshop module developed by The Cancer Council Victoria for the Victorian Cancer Clinicians Communication Program (VCCCP) focused on delivering bad news to patients and their families. Methods: The workshops consisted of four-and-a-half hour interactive sessions co-facilitated by an oncology clinician and clinical psychologist. Data on the participants' psychosocial beliefs about patient care, confidence and practice behavior were collected via self-administer..