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.