Communication Interventions Targeting Both Patients and Clinicians in Oncology: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: High quality communication between individuals with cancer and their clinicians is a cornerstone of patient-centered oncology practice. Many communication skills training interventions have been evaluated to support either oncology clinicians or patients. However, there is little information regarding the scope and efficacy of combined communication interventions in oncology, or communication interventions targeting both patients and clinicians.

Aims: To systematically examine randomized controlled trials of combined communication interventions in oncology settings.

Methods: Four databases (Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched using strategies developed by an expert librarian. All years were searched through May 2024. We followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting and used the Risk of Bias 2.0 assessment tool.

Results: The search yielded 3983 records. We assessed 52 full text articles, 13 of which were eligible (8 describing cluster randomized controlled trials, 5 describing individual randomized controlled trials). Results indicate that combined communication interventions may increase patient-centered communication in oncology settings but may be less effective in improving patient care and related outcomes.

Conclusions: Combined communication interventions in oncology settings and the outcomes measured to evaluate them are heterogeneous. This makes it difficult to determine the efficacy of combined communication interventions, the mechanisms by which these interventions improve patient-clinician communication as well as patient care and related outcomes, and which outcomes are most likely to be improved. Future work should clarify key targets of change for combined communication interventions and outcomes expected to be associated with patient-focused and clinician-focused intervention components.