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Communication skills training for the radiotherapy team to manage cancer patients' emotional concerns: a systematic review.


ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Many cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety and concern during radiotherapy, often with long-lasting effects on their well-being. This systematic review aims to describe and determine the effectiveness of communication skills training (CST) for the radiotherapy team (RT) to improve conversations in this setting and to support patients with emotional concerns.

Design

Systematic review.

Interventions

CST for RT members.

Data sources

On 17 April 2018, databases Medline, Embase, Scopus and PsycNET were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, POPULATION, INTERVENTION, COMPARISON, OUTCOMEPICO: Quantitative and/or qualitative articles were included that evaluate the effect of a CST for RT members (vs no CST) on communication behaviours and patients' emotional concerns.

Data extraction and synthesis

Articles were appraised using the mixed-methods appraisal tool, and a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Of the nine included articles, five were randomised controlled trials, three were mixed-methods and one used repeated measurements. Four of the five different CST programmes managed to increase emotional communicative behaviour from the RT, and all studies measuring patient communicative behaviour found an improvement in at least one of the hypothesised outcomes. Two studies examining patient anxiety and concerns found a positive effect of the CST, although one found a negative effect; two other studies without a positive effect on mood made use of both empathic CST and tools.

Conclusions

There are promising indications that CST can be successfully introduced to improve emotional conversations between RT members and patients. With the right support, the RT can play an important role to help patients cope with their emotional concerns. Future work is necessary to confirm initial promising results and to ensure the learnt communication skills are sustained.

SUBMITTER: van Beusekom MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6500273 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Communication skills training for the radiotherapy team to manage cancer patients' emotional concerns: a systematic review.

van Beusekom Mara Myrthe MM   Cameron Josie J   Bedi Carolyn C   Banks Elspeth E   Humphris Gerald G  

BMJ open 20190420 4


<h4>Objectives</h4>Many cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety and concern during radiotherapy, often with long-lasting effects on their well-being. This systematic review aims to describe and determine the effectiveness of communication skills training (CST) for the radiotherapy team (RT) to improve conversations in this setting and to support patients with emotional concerns.<h4>Design</h4>Systematic review.<h4>Interventions</h4>CST for RT members.<h4>Data sources</h4>On 17 April 20  ...[more]

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