Palliative care clinicians' communication competence: A cross-sectional survey linking perceived proficiency and comfort, training, and practice of key communication tasks.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine how Swiss palliative care (PC) clinicians learn key communication skills, their perceived proficiency and comfort, and how often they perform different communication tasks.

METHODS

Between October and November 2021, we surveyed Swiss PC clinicians on 22 communication tasks via an online survey.

RESULTS

Of 242 respondents, 231 provided complete data. Participants were mostly nurses (64%), female (79%), and on average 50 years old. Most reported learning communication through practice (89%) or observation (70%). Overall, perceived proficiency was moderate to high and slightly higher than comfort, but both varied considerably across tasks. Highest scores were for explaining PC and discussing physical symptoms, while lowest were for addressing spirituality and supporting patients who are parents in communicating with their children. Training showed moderate positive associations with perceived proficiency and comfort, though some tasks (e.g., prognosis, spirituality, and dying phase) were unrelated to training. Perceived proficiency and comfort were strongly correlated and both increased with experience. Physicians reported higher scores in illness-related discussions, whereas nurses reported more training in emotional and spiritual communication.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE

RESULTS

PC clinicians showed strong communication competence, but gaps remain in emotionally complex areas. Integrating technical, emotional, spiritual and family-centered communication training into core curricula may enhance care quality, and clinicians' confidence and satisfaction. Strengthening experiential learning, reflective practice, and skills for managing emotionally demanding conversations may improve clinicians' comfort and preparedness. Tailored training for nurses and physicians could optimize communication quality and support sustainable PC practice.