Design, conduct and evaluation of a communication course for oncology fellows.
BACKGROUND
Training in the communication components of cancer care is necessary for the practice of oncology. We conducted a communication course for oncology fellows.


METHODS
Teaching methods included lectures, role playing and simulated patient interviews. We used self-reports, knowledge questionnaires and course/faculty evaluations.


RESULTS
A total of 17 fellows participated. Skills in dealing with bad news, denial and end-of-life issues improved. We obtained information on communication tasks commonly performed during patient interactions, various aspects of the course and faculty performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Fellows' knowledge and self-efficacy improved postcourse. Information on challenges faced by trainees and their feedback may help focus the design of future courses.
Lenzi
Renato
R
University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA. rlenzi@mdanderson.org
Baile
Walter F
WF
Berek
Jonathan
J
Back
Anthony
A
Buckman
Robert
R
Cohen
Lorenzo
L
Parker
Patricia A
PA
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education; D008875:Middle Aged; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010819:Physician's Role; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States