Development and Pilot Test of a Physician-Focused Cancer Clinical Trials Communication Training Intervention

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Abstract PurposeClinical trials are critical to advancing cancer treatments, yet their impact is hindered by low accrual rates, especially among minorities. One barrier is the quality of physician communication during clinical interactions in which trials are discussed. We describe the development and pilot test of a physician-focused, web-based training module designed as an intervention to improve physician communication related to discussing clinical trials in a diverse cancer patient population. The purpose of the pilot test was to assess acceptability and preliminary effectiveness in improving physician beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and comfort related to discussing cancer clinical trials with patients and families in a diverse patient population.MethodA team of researchers, clinicians, and community members developed the training module based on current communication research and analysis of an archive of video-recorded patient-oncologist interactions. The module included a brief didactic video explaining patient-centered communication strategies for discussing trials, and re-enactments of selected video clips from the archive to provide illustrations and guide opportunities for reflection. For the pilot test, the module was provided to physician participants in the Partnering Around Cancer Clinical Trials (PACCT) trial at two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Pre-post measures included assessments of change in beliefs, behavioral attitudes, knowledge and comfort related to discussing trials; measures also assessed evaluations of the module. ResultsNineteen physicians participated in the pilot test of the module. Most were very experienced in discussing trials. Pre-post assessments indicated mixed findings about beliefs, marginal improvement in attitudes, and a significant improvement in knowledge, but no change in comfort discussing trials. Feedback on the module was favorable. ConclusionsThis pilot test of a stakeholder-developed physician communication training module demonstrated its acceptability and effectiveness, even in this highly-experienced physician sample. Future research is needed to determine its effectiveness on communication in clinical settings. Trial Registration Number NCT02906241

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