Communication and collaboration skills training in Radiation Oncology in Australia and New Zealand: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

Effective communication and collaboration with patients, carers and between healthcare professionals improves patient management. This study aimed to explore essential communication and collaboration skills training (CCST) for a radiation oncologist (RO) to inform competencies, learning outcomes and enhance curriculum training methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight focus group discussions with 10 fellows and 14 trainees of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRO RANZCR) were conducted face to face between October 2018 and March 2019. Participants included doctors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, working in public and private, metropolitan, and rural sectors. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, managed in Excel, and coded using a qualitative content analysis framework. The study was approved by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District HREC (18/186). Participants provided informed written consent.

RESULTS

After achieving thematic saturation, four predominant themes emerged. These were as follows: (1) Enablers and barriers to effective communication and collaboration; (2) written communication; (3) communicating bad news; and (4) multidisciplinary team meeting collaboration. Managing uncertainty and workplace culture emerged as interconnected sub-themes.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a current lack of CCST in radiation oncology in Australia and New Zealand. The most common theme that emerged to improve CCST focused on increasing the exposure to a variety of communication and collaboration clinical scenarios, which are observed and upon which immediate structured feedback is given. Consultants and trainees offered tangible suggestions on how to improve the curriculum. These findings underscore the importance of using a combination of structured teaching methods and work-based assessments. CCST templates are recommended.

The importance of multidisciplinary team management of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Historically, a simple approach to the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) was applicable to nearly all patients. Recently, a more complex treatment algorithm has emerged, driven by both pathologic and molecular phenotype. This increasing complexity underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care of patients with nsclc. A team approach to management is important at all points: from diagnosis, through treatment, to end-of-life care. It also needs to be patient-centred and must involve the patient in decision-making concerning treatment. Multidisciplinary case conferencing is becoming an integral part of care. Early integration of palliative care into the team approach appears to contribute significantly to quality of life and potentially extends overall survival for these patients. Supportive approaches, including psychosocial and nutrition support, should be routinely incorporated into the team approach. Challenges to the implementation of multidisciplinary care require institutional commitment and support.