Talking about quality of life - the development of a communication training programme for oncologists

In a previous study1, cancer patients completed QoL questionnaires and the results were fed back
to oncologists before the consultation in order to promote a discussion of patient well-being. This
resulted in improved doctor-patient communication and patient QoL scores, but the underlying
mechanisms linking the use of patient-reported QoL data in clinical practice to patient outcomes
were unclear. It was acknowledged that further understanding of the mediating effects of this
intervention was needed, along with the impact of these data on communication and medical
decision-making. A training program will be developed, informed by a detailed analysis of the use
of patient-reported QoL data in clinical practice