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Objective: To determine the reported effect of online communication skills training (CST) on health professional (HP) communication skills and patient care outcomes in cancer and palliative care. Methods: Primary research published in English between January 2003 and April 2019 was identified in bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase and Proquest (Prospero: CRD42018088681). An integrated mixed‐method approach included studies describing a CST intervention and its effect, for cancer or palliative care HPs, delivered online or blended with an online component. Included studies' outcomes were categorised then findings were stratified by an evaluation framework and synthesised in an effect direction plot. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. Results: Nineteen included studies (five randomised controlled trials, 11 pre‐post, two post‐test and one qualitative study) evaluated a CST intervention (median duration = 3.75 h; range 0.66–96 h) involving 1116 HPs, 422 students and 732 patients. Most interventions taught communication skills for specific scenarios and approximately half were delivered solely online and did not involve role plays. Online CST improved HPs' self‐assessed communication skills (three studies, 215 participants), confidence (four studies, 533 participants), and objective knowledge (five studies, 753 participants). While few studies evaluated patient outcomes, CST may benefit observed communication skills in care settings (two studies, 595 participants). Conclusions: Online CST benefits oncology HPs' subjectively‐reported communication skills and confidence, and objective knowledge. Translation to patient outcomes requires further investigation. The quality of research varied and few studies had a control group. We recommend improvements to study design, evaluation and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a low literacy talking book (written book with accompanying audio-recording) about radiation therapy and explore its acceptability with patients and caregivers.Method: The talking book was developed iteratively using low literacy design principles and a multidisciplinary committee comprising consumers and experts in radiation oncology, nursing, behavioural sciences, and linguistics. It contained illustrations, photos, and information on: treatment planning, daily treatment, side effects, psychosocial health, and a glossary of medical terms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who self-reported low functional health literacy and caregivers to explore their views on the resource. Thematic analysis using a framework approach informed the analysis.Results: Participants were very satisfied with the content, illustrations, and language in the resource. Most were unfamiliar with the term 'talking book', but liked the option of different media (text and audio). The resource was seen as facilitating communication with the cancer care team by prompting question-asking and equipping patients and their families with knowledge to communicate confidently.Conclusions: The low literacy talking book was well accepted by patients and their caregivers. The next step is to examine the effect of the resource on patients' knowledge, anxiety, concerns, and communication with the cancer care team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Few studies have explored the unmet needs of carers of people with high-grade glioma. We aimed to determine carers' levels of distress during treatment, understand their support needs and explore predictors of distress. Methods. Carers of people with high-grade glioma undergoing chemoradiotherapy were recruited to this prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Carers completed the validated Supportive Care Needs Survey, Brain Tumour Specific Supportive Care Needs Scale, Distress Thermometer (DT), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Questionnaires were administered during patients' chemoradiotherapy and 3 and 6 months later. Results. We recruited 118 carers who were mainly female (72%) and caring for spouse (82%). The mean age was 53 years (SD = 13.6; range, 21-89). Thirty-one percent of carers reported moderate distress (DT score 5-6/10) and 31% reported extreme distress (score 7-10/10) during combined chemoradiotherapy. Carer distress was associated with adverse GHQ scores (r = 0.61, P,.001). Seventy-two percent reported a negative financial impact of caring and 51% of those previously working full-time had taken leave or reduced working hours. The top 5 moderate/high unmet needs were: accessing prognostic information; accessing financial support and government benefits; accessible hospital parking; impact of caring on usual life; reducing stress in the patients' life. Conclusion. Carers reported substantial distress, and high distress levels were correlated with greater psychological impact and increased self-reporting of unmet needs. Future research should focus on interventions that aid in reducing carer distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]