Communication

SCOPE: The SCOPE (Study of Communication in Oncologist-Patient Encounters) project seeks to improve communications between oncologists and cancer patients through a personalized, instructive CD-ROM which doctors can use to enhance their communication skills.

  Mary Sochacki (919) 668-0452

 

Oncotalk: This national training program helps medical oncology fellows improve their communication skills for dealing with patients who have incurable and progressive cancer. We are studying the impact of the program on fellows’ ability to talk with patients nearing the end of life.

Dr. James Tulsky  (919) 668-7215

 

Outlook: This study is looking closely at discussions of life completion in patients with advanced serious illness, to evaluate (1) the impact of these conversations on the patient’s pain, symptoms, physical function, emotional state, spirituality, and quality of life, and (2) examine the content of dying persons’ conversations, looking at differences based on race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, communications within the family, and spirituality.

Dr. Karen Steinhauser  (919) 668-6936