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From Observation to Action: Developing and Pilot-Testing a Communication Tool for Follow-up Consultations with Adolescent Cancer Survivors.
- Source :
-
Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology [J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol] 2022 Aug; Vol. 11 (4), pp. 419-426. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Dec 15. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Efficient physician communication with adolescent cancer survivors (ACS) during follow-up consultations is important to enable survivors to take responsibility for their health. The present study had two aims: to develop a communication tool to enhance structured consultations and improve clinician communication in follow-up consultations, and to pilot-test the tool in physicians' consultations with ACS. Methods: Clinicians and communication experts collaborated closely to develop the 7 Memory Hooks (7MH) communication tool and a corresponding coding scheme for scoring communication behavior in consultations. Thirty-seven follow-up consultations between ACS and physicians were video-recorded (22 before intervention and 15 after intervention). The intervention consisted of a didactic lecture, a group workshop, and individual coaching to provide feedback to physicians on the communication skills observed in the pre-intervention videos. We then compared physicians' communication behavior both before and after intervention. Results: Fourteen physicians participated in the 7MH training. The mean total score on the 7MH scheme was significantly higher post-intervention compared with pre-intervention ( p = 0.001). Six behaviors changed significantly after the intervention. At a group level, physicians were more likely to be alone with the adolescent ( p = 0.004) and to prepare the patient for transition to adult heath care ( p = 0.040). They asked more often about the patients' expectations ( p = 0.007) and resources (( p = 0.019). And they acknowledged patients' concerns more often ( p = 0 .016 ) but talked significantly less about physical activity ( p = 0.012). Conclusion: A physician communication tool, designed bottom-up and developed in collaboration with the clinic, shows promising effects on physicians' communication behavior at follow-up consultations with ACS.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2156-535X
- Volume :
- 11
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34910892
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2021.0123