University of Sussex
Browse
400.pdf (127.17 kB)

Discussing randomised clinical trials of cancer therapy: evaluation of a Cancer Research UK training programme

Download (127.17 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 16:15 authored by Valerie JenkinsValerie Jenkins, Lesley FallowfieldLesley Fallowfield, I Solis-Trapala, C I Langridge, V Farewell
Objective. To evaluate a training intervention aimed at improving healthcare professionals' communication with cancer patients about randomised clinical trials. Design. Before and after evaluation of training programme. Setting. Members of the National Cancer Research Network, Scottish Trials Network, and the Welsh Cancer Trials Network Participants. 101 healthcare professionals (33 clinicians and 68 research nurses). Intervention. Four modules delivered by a trained facilitator using videotapes and interactive exercises to cover general issues about discussing randomised clinical trials with patients, problems specific to adjuvant trials, trials with palliation as the goal, and trials where patients had a strong preference for one treatment arm. Main outcome measures Before and after the intervention, participants were videotaped discussing a trial with an actor portraying a patient. These consultations were assessed for presence of information required by good clinical practice guidelines. The actor patients gave an assessment after each interview. Participants reported their self confidence about key aspects of trial discussion. Results. Analysis of the videotaped consultations showed that, after intervention, significantly more participants displayed key communication behaviours such as explaining randomisation (69 v 81, odds ratio 2.33, P = 0.033), checking patients' understanding (11 v 31, odds ratio 3.22, P = 0.002), and discussing standard treatment (73 v 88, odds ratio 4.75, P = 0.005) and side effects (69 v 85, odds ratio 3.29, P = 0.006). Participants' self confidence increased significantly (P < 0.001) across all areas. Actor patients' ratings of participants' communication showed significant improvements for 12/15 key items. Conclusion. This intensive 8 hour intervention significantly improved participants' confidence and competence when communicating about randomised clinical trials.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

BMJ

ISSN

1759-2151

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Issue

7488

Volume

330

Page range

400-403

Department affiliated with

  • Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education in Cancer (SHORE-C) Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-04-30

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-11-10

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC