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Communication Skills Training in Pediatric Oncology: Moving Beyond Role Modeling
Author(s) -
Feraco Angela M.,
Brand Sarah R.,
Mack Jennifer W.,
Kesselheim Jennifer C.,
Block Susan D.,
Wolfe Joanne
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.25918
Subject(s) - medicine , pediatric oncology , communication skills , intensive care medicine , communication skills training , disease , training (meteorology) , medical education , cancer , physics , meteorology
Communication is central to pediatric oncology care. Pediatric oncologists disclose life‐threatening diagnoses, explain complicated treatment options, and endeavor to give honest prognoses, to maintain hope, to describe treatment complications, and to support families in difficult circumstances ranging from loss of function and fertility to treatment‐related or disease‐related death. However, parents, patients, and providers report substantial communication deficits. Poor communication outcomes may stem, in part, from insufficient communication skills training, overreliance on role modeling, and failure to utilize best practices. This review summarizes evidence for existing methods to enhance communication skills and calls for revitalizing communication skills training within pediatric oncology.