Abstract
Abstract-Background. Despite significant communication gaps between patients and physicians, there has been little effort to initiate and evaluate teaching programs. We investigated whether a communication skills training (CST) could be effectively conducted for Japanese oncologists. Methods. Fifty-eight oncologists participated in the CST. We evaluated the program by measuring participant-rated confidence for communication with patients, burnout, and satisfaction of participants. Results. Immediately and at 3 months after CST, confidence in communication increased significantly compared with before. The providers' emotional-exhaustion 3 months after the workshop, however, worsened. The participants' satisfaction level with the program was high. Conclusions. The CST is feasible for Japanese oncologists, but it needs to be modified to reduce emotional-exhaustion. J Cancer Educ. 2003; 18:194-201.
