Training for better communication skills in lung cancer care
Empathic Communication Skills Training to Reduce Lung Cancer Stigma
This study tests if training doctors and nurses to communicate better can help lung cancer patients feel more understood and satisfied with their care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1232 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 12 sites (Irvine, California and 11 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05456841 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Empathic Communication Skills (ECS) training for oncology care providers (OCPs) treating lung cancer patients. The training focuses on enhancing communication and empathic skills to reduce stigma perceived by patients during clinical encounters. The study will assess both the primary outcomes related to clinician skills and secondary outcomes such as patient satisfaction and psychological distress. Additionally, it will explore the acceptance of referrals for tobacco cessation among patients who smoke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are lung cancer patients under the care of participating oncology care providers who can communicate in English or Spanish.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving care from participating oncology providers or those who do not speak English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve the quality of care and overall experience for lung cancer patients by fostering more empathetic interactions with their healthcare providers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes through enhanced communication training, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Site Eligibility * Employs at least 15 FTE OCPs (i.e., oncologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) as per self report * Reports a clinic volume of at least 20 new lung cancer patients per month as per self report OCP Participant Eligibility * OCPs who are thoracic oncology physicians (radiologists, medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons), NPs, or PAs and currently treating lung cancer patients, as per self-report; * OCP conducts consultations with lung cancer patients, as per self-report; * OCP sees at least 1 lung cancer patient per week, as per self-report; Patient Eligibility * Patient under the care of a participating OCP as per self report; * English and/or Spanish speaking; * In general, which language do you prefer to receive your medical care, English/Spanish/both English and Spanish Equally? * If English, treat as fluent in English, no additional language questions * If Spanish, treat as fluent in Spanish, no additional language questions * If both English and Spanish equally, ask the follow-up questions and go with whichever language is endorsed as best. If endorsed equally, assign to category patient prefers * How well do you speak English? Not at all/ Not well/Well/Very well * How well do you speak Spanish? Not at all/Not well/Well/Very well * Is at least 18 years of age as per self report; * Has a history of suspicious lung mass or confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, as per clinician judgment or medical record note; * Is a former or current smoking as per self report; * Has had no more than 10 prior visits with the participating OCP, as per the medical record and/or self report Exclusion Criteria: Patient Exclusion * Individuals of impaired decision-making capacity as per a clinician's judgment or as documented in the EMR. Site and OCP Exclusion * None
Where this trial is running
Irvine, California and 11 other locations
- Providence St. Joseph Health (Data Collection Only) — Irvine, California, United States (Completed)
- BAPTIST ALLIANCE - MCI (Data Collection Only) — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Advocate Health Care Network — Libertyville, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Kentucky (Data Collection Only) — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Completed)
- Munson Healthcare (Data Collection Only) — Traverse City, Michigan, United States (Completed)
- Hackensack Meridian Health (Data collection only) — Hackensack, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Data Collection Only) — Buffalo, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities) — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- Virtua Health (Data Collection Only) — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Completed)
- University of Pennsylvania (Data Collection Only) — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Fox Chase Cancer Center (Data Collection Only) — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Chesapeake Regional Healthcare (Data Collection Only) — Chesapeake, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Smita Banerjee, PhD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Smita Banerjee, PhD
- Email: banerjes@mskcc.org
- Phone: 646-888-0011
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.