Talking About Sad, Bad And Difficult Issues In Cancer - ESMO And CRUK Partner On A Communication Skills Course For Oncologists

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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An innovative course designed to help oncologists overcome communication barriers when talking to patients and their families will be organized in Buckinghamshire, UK from 18-20 June 2008 by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

The ESMO Course on Advanced Communication Skills for Oncologists has been developed around the recognition that despite the many advances in the treatment of cancer, communication between healthcare professionals and patients remains problematic.

"Surveys show that too many patients leave their consultations unsure about the diagnosis and prognosis, unclear and confused about the therapeutic options available," alerts Prof. Lesley Fallowfield, BSc, D.Phil., Director of the Sussex Psychosocial Oncology Group at the Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, who leads the course program.

The 'modern' patient wants a great deal of understandable information. "And this has to be provided with tact, sensitivity, honesty and be appropriately tailored to the individual patient," Prof. Fallowfield continues.

The model developed by Prof. Fallowfield includes a 3-day intensive program with

1) A cognitive component providing evidence base for suggested skills;
2) A behavioral component in which learners engage in role-play with experienced simulated patients; and
3) An affective component exploring the emotions and feelings that sometime inhibit the practice of optimal skills.

In the communication and information era, talking about sad, bad and difficult issues in cancer is not something that oncologists can leave to chance.

"ESMO strongly believes that communication skills play an important role in the global education and training of oncologists, and is therefore pleased to partner with Cancer Research UK to offer this great opportunity to medical oncologists all over the world," says Prof. Hakan Mellstedt of the Karolinska Cancer Center in Stockholm, President of the ESMO Foundation which provides financial support to the meeting.

"To optimize treatment decisions and care for patient needs, effective communication between patient and physician is crucial," notes Prof. Heinz Ludwig of the Wilhelminenspital in Vienna, Chair of the ESMO Cancer Patient Working Group.

"We warmly welcome this initiative, because it can bring valuable and tangible benefits to patients, empowering both the patients and the physicians and improving their ability to effectively share and discuss patient needs and information on treatment and care options," Prof. Ludwig continues.

This first three-day residential course will be attended by a restricted number of participants to guarantee a high level of interactivity. Oncologists from all over the world have applied to attend the course.

Full information about the event available here.

About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is the leading European non-profit, professional organization for medical oncology with a focus on promoting multidisciplinary cancer treatment around the world. ESMO unites medical oncologists, oncology specialists, healthcare professionals, caregivers, patients and policy makers in a global alliance committed to eradicating cancer and ensuring equal access to high quality treatment for all patients. Through state-of-the-art education and training programs, ESMO plays an instrumental role in providing the oncology community with the most up-to-date scientific research and information available. ESMO is dedicated to educating and supporting oncologists, optimizing patient care, disseminating cancer-specific information to the public, and advocating patient rights. As an authoritative voice in the fight against cancer, ESMO provides both the platform and the consultative expertise to influence national and international organizations as well as European authorities, in order to establish common standards for a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. Through its flagship journal, Annals of Oncology, ESMO publishes articles on all aspects of clinical oncology. To find out more about ESMO please visit http://www.esmo.org

About Cancer Research UK

The central aim of Cancer Research UK Sussex Psychosocial Oncology Group is to conduct pragmatic research in psychosocial oncology. Our work includes helping improve the communication skills of members of cancer teams, developing and evaluating patient interventions, producing educational training materials and measuring quality of life in clinical trials of cancer therapy.

To find out more about ESMO please visit http://www.lifesci.susx.ac.uk/pog/

http://www.esmo.org