Use of and reactions to a tailored CD-ROM designed to enhance oncologist-patient communication: the SCOPE trial intervention.
OBJECTIVE
Assess use of and reactions to an interactive, tailored CD-ROM to enhance oncologist-patient communication.


METHODS
Participating oncologists (n=48) agreed to have patient interactions audio recorded, be randomly assigned to receive/not receive a CD-ROM, have CD-ROM usage monitored (intervention group) and complete a follow-up survey.


RESULTS
Twenty-one of 24 in the intervention group reported using the CD-ROM. Median usage minutes were 63.8. At follow-up, oncologists rated the CD-ROM from 1 ("none" or "not at all helpful") to 5 ("a great deal" or "very helpful"). Mean responses were: 3.1 and 3.0 for 2 items assessing perceived impact on communications, 3.8-4.0 for 6 items assessing perceived helpfulness, 3.0 and 3.10 for 2 items assessing impact on affecting oncologists' communication with patients and assistance with challenging conversations, respectively, and 3.6 for whether using the CD-ROM was worth their time. Self-report of how much oncologists had used the covered skills before and after intervention showed a perceived increase (2.8 before and 3.2 after).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest the tailored interactive CD-ROM has promise for use and acceptance among oncologists.


CONCLUSIONS
If ultimately found effective in changing oncologist's communication with patients, the CD-ROM's widespread dissemination should be explored.
Skinner
Celette Sugg
CS
Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9066, USA. Celette.Skinner@UTSouthwestern.edu
Pollak
Kathryn I
KI
Farrell
David
D
Olsen
Maren K
MK
Jeffreys
Amy S
AS
Tulsky
James A
JA