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Communication skills training and clinicians' defenses in oncology: an exploratory, controlled study
Author(s) -
Bernard Mathieu,
de Roten Yves,
Despland JeanNicolas,
Stiefel Friedrich
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1558
Subject(s) - training (meteorology) , communication skills training , exploratory research , medical education , psychology , medicine , oncology , communication skills , physics , sociology , meteorology , anthropology
Abstract Objective : The underlying mechanisms modifying clinician's communication skills by means of communication skills training (CST) remain unknown. Defense mechanisms, defined as psychological processes protecting the individual against emotional stress, may be a mediating factor of skills improvement. Methods : Using an adapted version of the Defense Mechanism Rating Scale—Clinician, this study evaluated clinicians' defense mechanisms and their possible modification after CST. Interviews with simulated patients of oncology clinicians ( N =57) participating in CST (pre‐/post‐CST with a 6‐month interval) were compared WITH interviews with the same simulated patients of oncology clinicians ( N =56) who did not undergo training (T1 and T2 with a 6‐month interval). Results : Results showed (i) a high number (mean=16, SD=6) and variety of defenses triggered by the 15‐min interviews, (ii) no evolution difference between groups, and (iii) an increase in mature defenses after CST for clinicians with an initial higher level of defensive functioning. Conclusions : This is the first study describing clinicians' defensive functioning; results indicate a possible mediating role of defenses in clinician–patient communication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.