Teaching how to break bad news in Oncology: In-class vs. virtual peer role-plays

Abstract

We report two different peer role-play training courses for breaking bad news (BBN) in Oncology, the classic "in-class" model and the "virtual" peer role-play (VPRP) model developed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Each session included 20-25 4th year medical students supervised by two practitioners experienced in oncology. After an ice breaking activity to exchange with students on means to promote hope to patients when BBN, peer role-plays started. Pre-and post-session questionnaires were submitted to evaluate students' satisfaction, attitudes, and perceptions. Pre-and post-session knowledge test were realized. Each student has participated to only one peer-role play either "in-class" (2018) or VPRP (2020). In 2018, a total of 222 students received the "in-class" training. In 2020, a total 431 students received the VPRP training. For almost all students it was the first peer role-play training session. Before training, reported level of confidence in BBN was low. After training, students of the VPRP group were highly satisfied regarding quality (realism, organization). Students also reported great interest and perceived benefits. Students who underwent "in-class" training course showed a significantly higher improvement (+1.9 points) of their knowledge scores compared to those who underwent the VPRP training course (+0.7 points) (P-value=2e-16). The two methods seem beneficial to improve knowledge skills in BBN although "in-class" training class seem to be more efficient. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison between virtual and in-class peer-role play training for BBN in oncology.