TY - JOUR
T1 - Integrating evidence-based communication principles into routine cancer care
AU - Rosa, William E.
AU - Levoy, Kristin
AU - Doyon, Katherine
AU - McDarby, Meghan
AU - Ferrell, Betty R.
AU - Parker, Patricia A.
AU - Sanders, Justin J.
AU - Epstein, Andrew S.
AU - Sullivan, Donald R.
AU - Rosenberg, Abby R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
PY - 2023/10
Y1 - 2023/10
N2 - Purpose: The global incidence of cancer and available cancer-directed therapy options is increasing rapidly, presenting patients and clinicians with more complex treatment decisions than ever before. Despite the dissemination of evidence-based communication training tools and programs, clinicians cite barriers to employing effective communication in cancer care (e.g., discomfort of sharing serious news, concern about resource constraints to meet stated needs). We present two composite cases with significant communication challenges to guide clinicians through an application of evidence-based approaches to achieve quality communication. Methods: Composite cases, communication skills blueprint, and visual conceptualization. Results: High-stakes circumstances in each case are described, including end-of-life planning, advanced pediatric illness, strong emotions, and health inequities. Three overarching communication approaches are discussed: (1) content selection and delivery; (2) rapport development; and (3) empathic connection. The key takeaways following each case provide succinct summaries of challenges encountered and approaches used. A communication blueprint from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Communication Skills Training Program and Research Laboratory has been adapted and is comprised of strategies, skills, process tasks, and sample talking points. A visually concise tool — the Communication Blueprint Traffic Circle — illustrates these concepts and demonstrates the iterative, holistic, and agile considerations inherent to effective communication. Conclusion: Evidence-based communication is foundational to person-centeredness, associated with improved clinician and patient/caregiver outcomes, and can be integrated throughout routine oncology care. When used by clinicians, evidence-based communication can improve patient and caregiver experiences and assist in ensuring goal-concordant cancer care delivery.
AB - Purpose: The global incidence of cancer and available cancer-directed therapy options is increasing rapidly, presenting patients and clinicians with more complex treatment decisions than ever before. Despite the dissemination of evidence-based communication training tools and programs, clinicians cite barriers to employing effective communication in cancer care (e.g., discomfort of sharing serious news, concern about resource constraints to meet stated needs). We present two composite cases with significant communication challenges to guide clinicians through an application of evidence-based approaches to achieve quality communication. Methods: Composite cases, communication skills blueprint, and visual conceptualization. Results: High-stakes circumstances in each case are described, including end-of-life planning, advanced pediatric illness, strong emotions, and health inequities. Three overarching communication approaches are discussed: (1) content selection and delivery; (2) rapport development; and (3) empathic connection. The key takeaways following each case provide succinct summaries of challenges encountered and approaches used. A communication blueprint from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Communication Skills Training Program and Research Laboratory has been adapted and is comprised of strategies, skills, process tasks, and sample talking points. A visually concise tool — the Communication Blueprint Traffic Circle — illustrates these concepts and demonstrates the iterative, holistic, and agile considerations inherent to effective communication. Conclusion: Evidence-based communication is foundational to person-centeredness, associated with improved clinician and patient/caregiver outcomes, and can be integrated throughout routine oncology care. When used by clinicians, evidence-based communication can improve patient and caregiver experiences and assist in ensuring goal-concordant cancer care delivery.
KW - Communication skills training
KW - Health communication
KW - Health disparities
KW - Palliative care
KW - Pediatrics
KW - Supportive care
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85170195739&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00520-023-08020-x
DO - 10.1007/s00520-023-08020-x
M3 - Article
C2 - 37682354
AN - SCOPUS:85170195739
SN - 0941-4355
VL - 31
JO - Supportive Care in Cancer
JF - Supportive Care in Cancer
IS - 10
M1 - 566
ER -