Evaluation of a novel communication workshop for healthcare professionals working with metastatic breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND

Numerous reports criticise the communication between patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their health care providers (HCPs). System constraints may contribute to HCP burnout and compassion-fatigue, adding further to patient dissatisfaction. We developed and evaluated a novel communication skills training workshop based on verbatim quotes from a survey of patients with MBC.

METHODS

Prior to attendance at 6-h small group, facilitator-led workshops, participants completed: - General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), Standford Fulfilment Index (SFI) and the navigating professional boundaries (NPB) questionnaire. Self-confidence discussing 9 key MBC issues was assessed pre- and post-workshop.

RESULTS

Sixty-six HCPs (20 surgeons, 26 oncologists, and 20 nurses) participated. Overall, 14/66 (21.2%) had GHQ12 scores of ≥4 indicating heightened psychological concerns, 21/66 (31.8%) had burnout and merely (21/66 (31.8%) felt professionally fulfilled by work. Higher anxiety levels (GHQ-12 ≥ 4) were associated with increased odds of burnout (OR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.7 to 21.0, p = 0.0057) and reduced odds of professional fulfilment (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.015 to 1.00, p = 0.052). The primary outcome of self-confidence communicating about 9 key issues improved significantly post-workshop (mean change = 1.5, 95%CI:1.14 to 1.81). Workshops were rated highly by all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Bespoke small-group workshops using patient verbatims, and which addressed psychological and practice constraints inhibiting effective communication, significantly improved HCPs' self-confidence discussing challenging MBC consultations.