Comparative effectiveness of case-based versus simulation-based communication training: evidence from a...

Implementing evidence-based interventions to improve nurse-patient communication is essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in oncology. However, robust evidence guiding the selection of effective and feasible communication training models for oncology nurses remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two structured communication training approaches, including case-based training and simulation-based training, in oncology nursing education.

A quasi-experimental non-randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design was conducted among 258 oncology nurses and 650 cancer patients. Oncology nurses were assigned to one of three groups based on pre-existing clinical shift rotations rather than random allocation: no training (NTG, n = 84), case-based training (CTG, n = 88), or simulation-based training (STG, n = 86). Both intervention groups received structured communication training covering therapeutic communication, needs assessment, instruction delivery, referral practices, and outcome evaluation. The STG used video-based scenarios with standardized patients (20 h), whereas the CTG used written clinical cases (16 h). Outcomes were measured using the Nursing Care Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale, and the Occupational Coping Self-Efficacy Scale for Nurses. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with sensitivity analyses.

For patient satisfaction with nursing care, a significant time × group interaction was observed (F(2, 255) = 17.2, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.12). Both CTG and STG showed significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention (p < 0.001), whereas the NTG showed no significant change (p = 0.81). Similarly, nurses' communication skills demonstrated a significant interaction effect (F(2, 255) = 19.6, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.21), with significant improvements in both intervention groups compared with the control group (p < 0.001). For occupational coping self-efficacy, the interaction effect was also significant (F(2, 255) = 15.8, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.19), indicating increased self-efficacy in both intervention groups (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between CTG and STG at post-test for any outcomes.

These findings indicate that case-based and simulation-based communication training may be effective in improving communication-related outcomes in oncology nursing, although conclusions regarding their relative effectiveness should be drawn with caution.

Not applicable.