Dismiss Simulation for Palliative Medicine Communication Training? Not So Fast

Conclusion While the results of this trial are disappointing, the negative results may reflect how challenging it is to study patient centered outcomes of educational interventions.  This study also gives us an opportunity to reflect on how to define the patients who benefit most from communication training interventions, when the benefit is most likely to occur, and which trainees/practitioners might be in the best position to receive the intervention.  No doubt, there are other interventions which may improve clinician communication in pivotal conversations, and we should also reflect on ways to improve the studied intervention.  As a palliative care community, we should be interested in a multi-faceted approach that involves changing both practitioner behaviors and early patient/family preparation for pivotal moments near the end of life.  Evidence supports the notion that we can help trainees grow their communication skills.  Fortunately, we don't need FDA approval to disseminate medical education interventions which help trainees develop skills that most would agree are valuable.  This intervention remains an integral part of the equation.For other perspectives on this study, see the JAMA editorial by Chi and Verghese, Vital Talk's commentary, and Geripal's commentary.  *Disclosure: Lyle currently receives funding from an IU Health Values Grant to use these teaching methods with various fellowships at IU School of Medicine.  All...
Source: Pallimed: A Hospice and Palliative Medicine Blog - Category: Palliative Carer Workers Authors: Source Type: blogs