Implementation of a clinical trial communication skills training workshop for oncology fellows: A mixed methods...

Cancer clinical trials (CCTs) are essential to advancing treatment, yet enrollment remains low. An oncologist's recommendation influences participation, but many eligible patients are never offered the option, and discussions often lack clarity or equity. CCT communication skills training can improve oncologists' confidence and patient-centered communication behaviors, yet most Hematology-Oncology fellowship programs lack structured curricula in this area. To address this gap, we implemented a CCT communication skills workshop (COMM-CCT) for Hematology-Oncology fellows.

We implemented the COMM-CCT workshop at seven Hem-Onc fellowship programs in 2024. The three-hour, synchronous web-based workshop included a one-hour didactic session followed by two hours of small-group role play with cancer survivors acting as patients. We evaluated reach, acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity using post-course surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Across seven sites, 72% (n = 62) of eligible fellows attended with 87% (n = 54) completing the post-workshop survey and 23% (n = 14) participating in interviews. Fellows reported high acceptability, including satisfaction with the workshop (M = 4.30, SD = 0.79) and content (M = 4.28, SD = 0.79). Feasibility was also high, with communication skills taught being viewed as compatible (M = 4.35, SD = 0.70) and useful (M = 4.33, SD = 0.73) to their clinical practice. Interview findings reinforced survey results.

The COMM-CCT workshop is acceptable and feasible to implement in Hem-Onc fellowship programs. Findings will inform its refinement, broader scaling, and continued integration into graduate medical education programs.

This study's innovation is in its integration of a nationwide communication-focused intervention on clinical trials into existing training structures.