The Role of the Clinician in Cancer Clinical Communication

Abstract

Clinician communication is critical to positive outcomes for patients and families in most health contexts. Researchers have investigated areas such as defining and teaching effective communication and identifying specific outcomes that can be improved through more effective communication. In the area of cancer care, advances in detection and treatment require that clinicians develop new skills to adapt to the evolving needs of patients, families, and other members of the health care team. Some areas that require the attention of researchers are defining, assessing, and teaching effective communication in the context of the specific desires and preferences of individual patients and special populations; and meeting the needs of patients across the cancer continuum from screening, diagnosis, treatment to palliative care and survivorship. This report highlights three areas of research in cancer clinician communication including key areas of current and emerging research and theories and approaches for future research.