Training healthcare providers to communicate better with lung cancer patients

Empathic Communication Skills Training to Reduce Lung Cancer Stigma

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10923807

This study is all about helping doctors and nurses talk to lung cancer patients in a kinder, more understanding way, so that patients feel less judged and more supported during their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10923807 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on reducing the stigma associated with lung cancer by training oncology care providers in empathic communication skills. It addresses the negative perceptions that lung cancer patients often feel during clinical encounters, particularly related to discussions about smoking history. By implementing a national trial across 16 lung cancer care sites, the study aims to improve both the psychological well-being and medical outcomes of patients through better communication. The training is designed to help providers understand and mitigate the stigma that patients experience.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are lung cancer patients who have experienced stigma in their healthcare interactions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have lung cancer or those who have not experienced stigma in their clinical encounters may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and treatment experiences for lung cancer patients by fostering more supportive interactions with their healthcare providers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown favorable outcomes with similar communication training approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions American Cancer SocietyCancer Patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.