Addressing the transition from curative to palliative care: concept and acceptance of a specific communication skills training for physicians in oncology--COM-ON-p.

BACKGROUND: There are several reasons why consultations addressing the transition to palliative care are especially challenging, and physicians are generally not very well prepared to meet these challenges. We therefore conceptualized and evaluated a concise, individualized communication skills training (CST) addressing i) communication concerning the transition to palliative care, and ii) involvement of significant others in the conversation. Core aspects of the CST and data of acceptance will be presented.

METHODS: The core elements of the CST are a 1.5-day workshop held in small groups and a subsequent individual coaching session during everyday routine. The workshop is practice-oriented and highly individualized. Acceptance was assessed by using a self-developed 13-item questionnaire.

RESULTS: All 41 participating physicians completed the evaluation questionnaire. The participants' overall evaluation of the workshop was very positive and indicated a high personal benefit. Individualized learning tools like 'assessment of individual learning goals' and 'closing with individual take-home messages' were also seen as positive, but not as positive as other elements like practicing with actor patients and feedback from actors and facilitators.

CONCLUSIONS: The presented specific, individualized, and concise CST is well accepted, and physicians see a high practical relevance and strong personal benefits.