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Development of communication skills workshop for oncology advanced practice nursing students

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Abstract

Background. Communication skills have not traditionally been included in nursing curriculum. The best educational method to improve health care providers’ practice in comunication skills is first, introduction of content, followed by continuous skills assessment and mentored feedback.Methods. A communication skills workshop using standardized patients (SPs) was planned for oncology nurse practitioner students. A 6-step development plan was used to design, implement, and evaluate the curriculum. Three patient cases using SPs were developed to represent a specific communication skill. SP teaching methodology is relatively new to nursing curriculum.Results. Four methods of evaluation revealed a high level of satisfaction with the course, a high level of communications skills demonstrated during the course, and student need to have more communication content throughout their curriculum. Confidence in communication skills increased following the workshop.Conclusions. This methodology has widespread application to other areas of cancer nursing including nurses with less oncology experience and practicing nurses on the oncology units. In addition, there is application throughout nursing curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs. The content should be presented earlier in the curriculum and then reinforced throughout the remaining courses with clinical follow-up.

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Author notes

  1. Margaret Rosenzweig PHD, CRNP, AOCN (Assistant Professor—Research, Director)

    Present address: Oncology Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Pittsubrgh School of Nursing, Room 329-A, Victoria Building, 15261, Pittsburgh, PA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA

    Robert Arnold MD

  2. Oncology Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Pittsubrgh School of Nursing, Room 329-A, Victoria Building, 15261, Pittsburgh, PA

    Maurice Clifton MD, MSED

Authors
  1. Margaret Rosenzweig PHD, CRNP, AOCN
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  2. Maurice Clifton MD, MSED
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  3. Robert Arnold MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Margaret Rosenzweig PHD, CRNP, AOCN.

Additional information

Supported by the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing, Dean’s Instructional Strategies Initiative Teaching Award, 2004.

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Rosenzweig, M., Clifton, M. & Arnold, R. Development of communication skills workshop for oncology advanced practice nursing students. J Canc Educ 22, 149–153 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174327

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