François Bénard (Centre de pédagogie appliquée aux sciences de la santé (CPASS)); Fred Saad (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)); Carole Lambert (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)); Mary DeCarolis (Grand River Hospital); Carole Richard (Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)); Marika Audet-Lapointe (PSYmedicis); Cindy Shobbrook (Mississauga Halton Palliative Care Initiative); France St-Germain (Sanofi Canada); Stephanie Bedasse (HIT Global); George Boutsalis (HIT Global); Stephanie Matheson (HIT Global); Basab Roy-Choudhury (HIT Global)
Synopsis
CHAT (Cancer Healthcare Team) is a self-directed learning module that uses patient cases to address interactions between healthcare professionals and patients living with cancer. Using physician-patient communication theories, the module discusses appropriate and inappropriate behavior for each situation. This interactive program integrates video and interactive “twitter-like” questions to enhance the learning experience.
Purpose
CHAT (Cancer Healthcare Team) is an interactive, case-based simulation CME program intended for interprofessional members of the cancer healthcare team designed to improve communication skills with patients.
Methods
Using videos to demonstrate possible clinical practice scenarios, participants will be encouraged to comment on what constitutes effective and sensitive communication between healthcare professionals and patients living with cancer. An innovative, “twitter-like” interface will encourage participants to make comments, review comments from other participants, and reflect on the material presented. Toolsandresourcesthatcanbeimplementedinpracticewillalsobediscussed.Thisprogramwillfocus on breaking bad news, eliciting information/giving information, and screening for distress, as well as issues specific to prostate and colorectal cancer.
A team comprised of 5 physicians (2 urologists, 2 medical oncologists, and 1 surgeon), 1 palliative care nurse, and 1 psychologist specializing in cancer treatment was recruited to develop the program.
Results
Expected results will show that through the use of instructive videos, self-reflection, and interactive questions, participants may acquire an understanding of effective communication skills, and more readily assess the needs of patients living with cancer. This understanding may translate into an overall improvement in healthcare practice.
Conclusions
Case simulation activities for interprofessional education are powerful tools that give participants the means to 1) understand how their interactions with patients can positively influence cancer treatment, and 2)improve their knowledge, communication skills, and confidence when helping patients living with cancer.
Funding Sources
The CHAT (Cancer Healthcare Team) program was made possible through support provided by Sanofi Canada.
