Feasibility and Acceptability of an Online Oncologist Training to Optimize Oncologist-Patient Communication and Value-Concordant Care in Advanced Cancer

J Palliat Med. 2023 Oct;26(10):1386-1390. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0563. Epub 2023 Jul 17.

Abstract

Introduction: This pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a low-resource-intensive scalable online communication training designed to improve oncologists' skills in prognostic and value-concordant care discussions with advanced cancer patients. Methods: The training consisted of on-demand videos on how to convey prognostic information, manage patient emotions, and elicit patient values and incorporate these values into treatment decision making. Post-intervention, oncologists reported on their perceptions of the training. Results: Fifteen oncologists were enrolled, of whom, 13 completed the training, and 14 completed post-intervention interviews. Most oncologists reported the intervention was acceptable: 92.9% indicated the intervention was "moderately" to "very helpful"; 78.6% rated it as "somewhat" to "very much" impactful on their communication with patients. Conclusions: The present self-paced online communication training was acceptable to oncologists, supporting additional research, including evaluating intervention efficacy for improving oncologists' communication skills and value-concordant care in advanced cancer.

Keywords: advance care planning; advanced cancer; end-of-life care; goals of care; prognostic communication; serious illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Oncologists* / psychology
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Pilot Projects