DueNorth Communication Program; Improving Clinician-Patient Communication in Oncology
Extensive research has shown that the quality of clinician-patient communication has significant effects on accurate diagnoses, patient adherence to treatment, patient and clinician satisfaction, patient functional status, and even the likelihood of malpractice litigation. Efforts to better understand and practice a comprehensive, relationship-centered approach to patient care are of particular importance to oncology clinicians given the physical and emotional burdens of cancer for patients, caregivers and families. This is especially true for patients eligible to enroll in clinical trials.
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Topics and skills of special importance to the clinician-patient relationship in oncology include the following:
- Open-ended inquiry, reflective listening and empathic communication skills. These skills are critical to developing mutual trust and understanding. They form the basis for disclosure and discussion about patient concerns and health beliefs that can otherwise remain hidden, poorly understood or even unacknowledged by the clinician.
- Informed consent and shared decision making. Patients as well as family members vary widely in their preferences and readiness to participate in making medical decisions about testing and treatment. Identifying and adjusting to different styles among patients and families are key communication skills in oncology.
- Breaking bad news. This is a set of skills that comes into play all too frequently in oncology. Proficiency here is of great importance, not only to improve patient care but also to help prevent professional burnout among clinicians.
- Communicating about the transition to palliative care and end-of-life care. These communication challenges are difficult issues for clinicians in oncology, both from a professional and personal perspective. Continued development of these skills is essential for the care of patients, families and clinicians as well
DueNorth will design a program for your institution headed by Dr. Gregory Carroll a world renowned expert in physician patient communication.
Learn more by Greg Carroll
DueNorth Clinical Research Platforms
Many teaching institutions have excellent in house clinical research programs but do not always have the structure to maximize objectives specifically with staff with many responsibilities. This may be specifically applicable to research conducted by residents and fellows with a relatively short time to complete their projects. DueNorth will work within a clinical research program to supplement existing resources to expedite outcomes, economically and efficiently, leaving the investigators time to focus on the research.
If interested please contact us for further discussion.
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