Palliative care communication: Outcomes from comfortTM SM, a train-the-trainer course for providers
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With increasing support for the integration of palliative care and standard oncology, communication training programs are needed to teach oncology nurses and other providers about palliative care communication. OBJECTIVES: This study reports on the outcomes of COMFORTTM SM Communication for Oncology Nurses, a train-the-trainer communication course to educate oncology nurses about palliative care communication and improve patient-centered communication and cancer care. METHODS: 355 oncology nurses attended the two-day course. This study used 6-and 12-month follow-up data from nurses who provided feedback on the progress of these goals. FINDINGS: Nurses taught an additional 9,720 oncology providers, conducted needs assessments of communication processes, and initiated institutionwide palliative care communication training. Barriers to completing outcome goals included a lack of institutional support, specifically an absence of leadership, financial backing, and dedicated time.
Publication Title
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
Recommended Citation
Wittenberg, E., Goldsmith, J., Ferrell, B., Buller, H., Mendoza, Y., & Ragan, S. (2020). Palliative care communication: Outcomes from comfortTM SM, a train-the-trainer course for providers. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 24 (1), E1-E6. https://doi.org/10.1188/20.CJON.E1-E6
