Elaine Wittenberg1, Betty Ferrell2, Joy Goldsmith3, Sandra L Ragan4, Haley Buller2. 1. From California State University, Los Angeles, Department of Communication Studies, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA. Electronic address: elaine.wittenberg2@calstatela.edu. 2. From City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Nursing Research and Education, Duarte, CA, USA. 3. From University of Memphis, Department of Communication, Memphis, TN, USA. 4. From University of Oklahoma, Department of Communication, Norman, OK, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The COMFORT Communication Course for Oncology Nurses is a train-the-trainer program funded by the National Cancer Institute (R25) that provides nationwide communication training to improve patient-centered communication in cancer care. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the program and present an evaluation of three courses. METHODS: The curriculum contains seven modules addressing palliative care communication. Pre-course survey of needs, post-course feedback, and follow-up at 6 and 12 months were used to evaluate the program. RESULTS: To date, three courses have been presented to 269 nurses from 34 states and Washington D.C. Post-course evaluations showed high satisfaction with course design, content, and faculty. At 12 months, course participants had implemented institution-wide system changes and communication skill building. On average, each nurse trained 37 other healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: The COMFORT communication course provides the essential communication skills and tools oncology nurses need to provide quality care across the cancer continuum. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Training is needed to prepare oncology nurses with the skills to provide patient-centered communication across the cancer continuum. These skills include training others in communication and implementing process improvement. The COMFORT communication train-the-trainer model is an effective approach to meet this need.
OBJECTIVE: The COMFORT Communication Course for Oncology Nurses is a train-the-trainer program funded by the National Cancer Institute (R25) that provides nationwide communication training to improve patient-centered communication in cancer care. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the program and present an evaluation of three courses. METHODS: The curriculum contains seven modules addressing palliative care communication. Pre-course survey of needs, post-course feedback, and follow-up at 6 and 12 months were used to evaluate the program. RESULTS: To date, three courses have been presented to 269 nurses from 34 states and Washington D.C. Post-course evaluations showed high satisfaction with course design, content, and faculty. At 12 months, course participants had implemented institution-wide system changes and communication skill building. On average, each nurse trained 37 other healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: The COMFORT communication course provides the essential communication skills and tools oncology nurses need to provide quality care across the cancer continuum. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Training is needed to prepare oncology nurses with the skills to provide patient-centered communication across the cancer continuum. These skills include training others in communication and implementing process improvement. The COMFORT communication train-the-trainer model is an effective approach to meet this need.
Authors: Laurel L Northouse; Maria C Katapodi; Lixin Song; Lingling Zhang; Darlene W Mood Journal: CA Cancer J Clin Date: 2010-08-13 Impact factor: 508.702
Authors: Sally Thorne; John L Oliffe; Kelli I Stajduhar; Valerie Oglov; Charmaine Kim-Sing; T Gregory Hislop Journal: Cancer Nurs Date: 2013 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.592
Authors: Jennifer Barsky Reese; Lauren A Zimmaro; Sharon L Bober; Kristen Sorice; Elizabeth Handorf; Elaine Wittenberg; Areej El-Jawahri; Mary Catherine Beach; Antonio C Wolff; Mary B Daly; Brynna Izquierdo; Stephen J Lepore Journal: J Natl Compr Canc Netw Date: 2021-08-13 Impact factor: 11.908