Assessing communication between oncology professionals and their patients.
BACKGROUND: Effective communication with cancer patients continues to be an elusive goal for health care professionals (HCPs) and cancer educators. METHODS: We posted a survey on the ConversationsInCare.com Web site to collect information from oncology HCPs regarding attitudes, effectiveness, and specific patient communication skills. RESULTS: The 291 respondents agreed that good communication enhances patient satisfaction (76%) and treatment compliance (88%). Only 34% of respondents felt comfortable discussing complementary or alternative therapies, and approximately half of all respondents felt they lack the skills to help patients maintain hope. CONCLUSIONS: Oncology HCPs believe that good communication is important and wish to improve their skills. Implications for cancer educators are discussed.