Teaching communication skills: an AACE survey of oncology training programs

The extent of communication skills training (CST) in American oncology fellowship programs is unknown.

A survey was sent to program directors of medical oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and surgical oncology training programs regarding (1) the presence and method(s) of CST in their programs, (2) their attitude about mandatory CST, and (3) their attitude about a mandatory assessment of communication skills competence as a prerequisite for specialty certification.

Only a third of programs contained some form of CST. Surgical oncology programs were particularly lacking. Lack of faculty time was cited as the major barrier to implementing CST. A majority of program directors support mandatory CST but not a core competence requirement for certification.

There is a current deficiency in CST in American oncology fellowship training. Given the importance of communication skills in the provision of high-quality cancer care, initiatives to address this deficiency are a priority.