Communicating Actively, Responding Empathically (CARE): Perceptions of Cancer Health Professionals Attending...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Communication
• Oncology

Background:

• Communication skills training is crucial for health professionals in cancer care.
• Current training lacks consensus on optimal style and duration for effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare health professional experiences with a 1-day experiential learning workshop versus a 2-hour video-based workshop.
• To identify effective elements and potential improvements in communication skills training.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with 20 health professionals (10 per workshop type).
• Interpretative descriptive design with thematic analysis of qualitative data.
• Descriptive statistics for participant characteristics.

Main Results:

• Consistent themes included the importance of communication and perceived barriers.
• Both workshop formats were valued, with strong endorsement of facilitators and learning environment.
• Role-playing was beneficial; 2-hour workshop participants desired more practice opportunities.
• Participants reported increased confidence and improved person-centered care delivery post-training.

Conclusions:

• Both 1-day and 2-hour communication workshops provided positive experiences and value.
• The 1-day workshop's experiential learning was perceived as beneficial.
• Further development could incorporate more practice, like role-playing, in shorter formats.