Communication skills training for breast cancer teams talking about trials

We modified an educational intervention developed to improve communication about clinical trials and enhance multidisciplinary team (MDT) working for specialist breast cancer MDTs. We assessed the effect of one day MDT training on team members' awareness & clarity about trials in their portfolio, and individuals' confidence & communication about clinical trials.

Six MDTs in England participated between May 2012 and January 2013. Teams identified a breast trial from their portfolio that was about to start or one for which recruitment was proving difficult. Participants completed questionnaires identifying their roles and awareness of trial activity. The interactive workshop contained several generic elements: including PPT presentations, relevant exercises, and practical sessions but were also customised to fit the individual MDT requirements. Participants completed post-course questionnaires and the team leaders completed a 6-month review.

Eighty healthcare professionals participated. There were significant positive changes (P < 0.001) post-workshop for all 15 key areas probed concerning awareness and clarity about the trial(s) discussed during the training intervention. Six month questionnaire data revealed 5/6 teams had greater awareness of actual roles played by their colleagues and that more team members were willing and able to discuss trial(s) with patients. Additionally, 5/6 team leaders said that dynamics had changed for the better and enthusiasm for trials improved.

Workshops focussed on clinical trials can be conducted in one day and produce improvements in team awareness, knowledge of teams' trials portfolios and communication skills.