Effectiveness of a skills-oriented interprofessional communication training for ward units (KommRhein Interpro) at organ cancer centers - study report

Abstract

Objective: The psychosocial outcome of oncological treatment is significantly influenced by the communication between the practitioner and the patient. Communicative competence can be effectively improved through appropriate training. So far, there are only a few communication trainings that are conducted interprofessionally. Methods: In the project funded by German Cancer Aid, an interprofessional skills-oriented communication training for wards at four cancer centers which are cooperating in a common structure (Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Dusseldorf) is being developed and implemented. Thirty wards were distributed randomly across three study arms: (a.) Written information on patient-centered communication, (b.) 10 h of skills-based communication training for doctors, and (c.) 10 h of interprofessional skills-based communication training for doctors and nurses. All participants complete questionnaires before and after the intervention. 1,500 patients are surveyed at admission, immediately and 3 months after discharge. Results/conclusion: The planning of the trainings is currently underway. The joint training of doctors and nurses of a team or ward (condition c) is expected to lead to the greatest reduction of patients’ cancer-specific anxiety and greatest trust in the treatment team as well as to a greater improvement in experienced competence and patient-centered communication in doctors and nurses. The influence of organisation-related factors will be investigated. Twenty trainers were qualified for the manual-guided interventions. Due to the special circumstances of the SARS-CoV2-pandemic, an online version of the training was developed. It is planned to integrate the trainings into the daily routine of the wards.