We have considerable experience developing and delivering training courses aimed at enhancing healthcare professionals practical communication skills. These enable effective:- delivery of bad news, discussions about treatment options, and consideration of the impact of cancer treatments on quality of life. We cultivate a multi-disciplinary approach to communication with cancer patients, leading to better outcomes and decision making for patients.
We deliver customised workshops for cancer teams engaged in clinical trial recruitment. The aims of the workshop - which can be run in a day - are to focus on methods of recruitment to a specific trial chosen by the team. We encourage all members of a team to join, from surgeons, clinicians, research nurses to specialist nurses, pharmacists and histo-pathologists.
The workshops are based on our own published research into the factors involved in the recruitment of patients to clinical trials. Also Professor Fallowfield is an expert in communication skills training on both a dyadic and team level.
"The course has provided greater clarity and highlighted issues from the clinician and patient's perspective regarding difficulties that may impact on recruitment/ involvement." (Radiologist)
"It has made me aware of this trial better so that now I am confident that I can deal with any questions about the trial that come by my way." (Specialist nurse)
"Gives me a greater insight and understanding about the importance of excellent communication within the MDT and with the patient." (Surgeon)
"The workshop has really helped all the team look at how we recruit and consent patients to the trial." (Research nurse)
These workshops were facilitated by Professor Dame Lesley Fallowfield and used a set of 5 educational films illustrating different MBD consultations. The scenarios do not show the “right” or “wrong” way to discuss MBD but are used as “triggers” to engage participants in discussion. The groups are small with a maximum of 10 delegates and facilitated by.