Abstract P2-14-09: Results from a novel educational program to help nurses when discussing the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® with their patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Discussing risk of recurrence and potential treatment benefit in early breast cancer can be challenging, especially when dealing with anxious patients and/or those with difficult social circumstances. UK patients usually have access to specialist breast care nurses (SBCN) who discuss in further detail the implications that the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® result may have for:- treatment decisions, risks and benefits of chemotherapy and the potential impact on patients’ well-being and lifestyle. We developed an innovative communication skills workshop to assist SBCNs with these encounters. Methods The 6 hour workshops comprised:- 2 didactic presentations, one on the data underpinning the OncotypeDX® risk scores and cut-offs post TAILORx and another on the psychology of risk which included interactive exercises about numeracy, communication, and tolerance to uncertainty. Attendees then split into small groups for two practical sessions led by experienced facilitators. First they viewed one of 2 filmed scenarios of oncologists explaining Recurrence Score results with patients. The SBCNs then met with the same simulated patient just seen on film, who was now ‘in clinic’ a week later and keen to discuss her test result further. During these practical sessions facilitators engaged and encouraged the SBCNs to consider and practice different ways of handling the patients’ difficult questions. At completion of each session the simulated patients provided feedback and suggestions. Attendees completed 11 item pre/post workshop questionnaires probing their self-confidence when discussing complex issues surrounding the Recurrence Score® result. Results A total of 69 UK SBCNs participated. There were significant and positive improvements in mean change scores of self-rated confidence for all 11 issues, (P<0.004; Bonferonni) including handling discussions of scores post TAILORx. Workshops were rated as informative (9.6/10), useful (9.5/10) and enjoyable (9.6/10) with 68/69 (99%) recommending it to colleagues. Conclusion Nurses can play an important role helping patients’ decision-making; they are also usually fearful of role-play but most found the innovative practical sessions especially helpful. Our results showed that improved self-confidence, a key element required to lead to a transfer of communication skills into a clinic setting, was achieved in this six hour workshop. Citation Format: Lesley Fallowfield, Shirley May, Amanda Ramirez, Nina Fryer, Andrew Paramore, Valerie Jenkins. Results from a novel educational program to help nurses when discussing the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® with their patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-14-09.