Efficacy of communication skills training courses in oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Group training in communication skills [communication skills training (CST)] has become partly mandatory for oncology staff. However, so far, a comprehensive meta-analysis on the efficacy is lacking.


METHODS
Included studies either compare the efficacy of a specific training with a control group or look at the additional effect of booster sessions on communication behaviour, attitudes or patient outcomes.


METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched up to July 2008 without language restriction, and reference lists of earlier reviews were screened. Effect sizes (ESs) were extracted and pooled in random effects meta-analyses.


RESULTS
We included 13 trials (three non-randomised), 10 with no specific intervention in the control group. Meta-analysis showed a moderate effect of CST on communication behaviour ES = 0.54. Three trials compared basic training courses with more extensive training courses and showed a small additional effect on communication skills ES = 0.37. Trials investigating participants' attitudes ES = 0.35 and patient outcomes ES = 0.13 (trend) confirmed this effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Training health professionals by CST is a promising approach to change communication behaviour and attitudes. Patients might also benefit from specifically trained health professionals but strong studies are lacking. However, feasibility and economic aspects have to be kept in mind when considering providing a training of optimal length.
Division of Social and Behavioral Health Research, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address: mail@juergen-barth.de.
J
J
Barth
Division of Social and Behavioral Health Research, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
P
P
Lannen
D003142:Communication; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004506:Education, Nursing; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012381:Role Playing; D013315:Stress, Psychological