Communicating with Patients and Families Around Difficult Topics in Cancer Care Using the COMFORT Communication Curriculum

Abstract

Quality communication skills are essential to oncology nursing, especially given their vital role in cancer care.

Oncology Nurses' Communication Challenges During Caring for Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study

“…As illustrated by the nurses, male nurses have more difficulties in communicating with pediatric patients. Likewise, Wittenberg et al (7), Norouzinia et al (10), and Banerjee et al (5) reported that the age difference between the nurse and the patient was another communication barrier. In fact, it seems the generation gap to be a barrier to nursepatient communications.…”

“…It is hard for me to communicate with children... it is hard; I really can't do it…" Participant No. 7 Another participant said:" …Men are more rigid in their relationships because all they have is their pride. A man should be strong and proud..." Participant No.…”

“…For example, it is hard for us to empathize with the patient… in close relationships, female nurses are more af-fected…" Participant No. 7 "…For getting IV lines, well, female patients are much more sensitive ... this is because of their cultural background ... It had happened to me when I intended to puncture a female patient's vein, but she did not allow me and asked for a female nurse… ."…”

“…Therefore, considering the critical prominence of the interaction between oncology nurses and patients and their families, oncology nurses must be equipped with proper communication skills to be able to deliver effective care services (6). An appropriate relationship increases the trust and satisfaction of patients and their families, improving treatment outcomes (7). As cancer patients are repeatedly hospitalized during the disease course, nurses have greater opportunities for building a relationship and gain the trust of patients by supporting them and their families.…”

Slecht nieuws communiceren in de diergeneeskunde: wat is de goede aanpak?

“…Meer recent werd het COMFORT-model voorgesteld dat verschillende basisprincipes voor het brengen van slecht nieuws omvat zonder vaste volgorde van deze elementen. Dit model werd uitgewerkt voor communicatie in een palliatieve setting in de humane geneeskunde (Villagran et al, 2010;Wittenberg et al, 2018). De elementen van dit model zijn: een goede dialoog tussen arts en patiënt (Communication), het overlopen van de verschillende diagnostische en therapeutische opties en hun prognose (Orientation and Opportunity), het aandacht geven van de arts aan de patiënt en zijn/haar zorgen (Mindful communication), de aanwezigheid van familie van de patiënt (Family), het identificeren van wat voor de patiënt en zijn/haar familie het belangrijkste is (Opening), rekening houden met het perspectief van de patiënt en zijn/haar familie en indien nodig de boodschap verschillende Eigenaarsperspectief bevragen "Voor we de resultaten bespreken, zou ik er graag zeker van zijn dat we op dezelfde golflengte zitten.…”