Oncology residents' perspectives on communication skills and shared decision making.
Shared decision making (SDM) and effective communication are essential components of cancer care. Residents in oncology-related specialties were surveyed about communication skills and SDM. The response rate was 77% (17/22), and 93% stated that communication skills were very important for their specialty. Most (76%) thought their communication skills were adequate, but areas of difficulty included discussing end-of-life issues, giving hope when the prognosis was bleak and dealing with hostile patients. Only 58% of respondents had heard the term SDM, and 29% were aware of its meaning. More SDM and communication training are required for future oncology physicians.
Samant
Rajiv
R
Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. rsamant@ottawahospital.on.ca
Aivas
Inge
I
Bourque
Jean-Marc
JM
Tucker
Tara
T
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011379:Prognosis