Abstract
We describe the development and pilot test of a physician-focused, web-based training module designed to improve physician communication related to clinical trials in a diverse cancer patient population. Researchers and stakeholders developed the training module, which included a video explaining patient-centered communication strategies for discussing trials, and re-enactments of actual clinical interactions. For the pilot test, the module was provided to physician participants in the Partnering Around Cancer Clinical Trials (PACCT) trial at two major urban cancer centers. Questionnaires assessed change in beliefs, behavioral attitudes, knowledge and comfort; and perceptions of the module. Nineteen physicians participated in the pilot test. Most were experienced in discussing trials. Assessments of change were mixed regarding beliefs; they showed marginal improvement in attitudes, and significant improvement in knowledge, but no change in comfort. Feedback on the module was favorable. This stakeholder-developed physician communication training module was acceptable and effective, albeit in this small and highly-experienced physician sample. Future research should determine its effectiveness on communication in clinical settings. This is the first physician training module to focus on communicating about clinical trials in a diverse patient population. It offers a web-based format and re-enactments of naturally-occurring clinical interactions. Trial Registration Number: NCT02906241
Highlights
The module was provided to physician participants in the Partnering Around Cancer Clinical Trials (PACCT) trial at two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers
Nineteen physicians participated in the pilot test of the module
Cancer clinical trials are essential for testing the safety and efficacy of promising treatments and translating new knowledge into tangible benefits for patients; they represent state-of-the art treatment for individuals with cancer
Summary
Cancer clinical trials are essential for testing the safety and efficacy of promising treatments and translating new knowledge into tangible benefits for patients; they represent state-of-the art treatment for individuals with cancer. Only a small proportion of people with cancer ever enroll in a trial. Under-enrollment is a greater problem among minorities, African Americans, suggesting a healthcare disparity and limiting the generalizability of findings across populations.[1, 2]. Barriers to clinical trial enrollment exist at every level.[3, 4] Still, most efforts to increase enrollment focus on patients’ and community members’ awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to clinical trials.[5,6,7,8] Other efforts focus on system-level factors, such as increasing the number of available trials, providing resources to under-resourced medical institutions, and broadening eligibility criteria.[9] one barrier that has received relatively little attention is physician communication during clinical interactions with patients who are potentially eligible for an available trial
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