Use of and reactions to a tailored CD-ROM designed to enhance oncologist–patient communication: The SCOPE trial intervention

Objective

Assess use of and reactions to an interactive, tailored CD-ROM to enhance oncologist–patient communication.

Methods

Participating oncologists (n = 48) agreed to have patient interactions audio recorded, be randomly assigned to receive/not receive a CD-ROM, have CD-ROM usage monitored (intervention group) and complete a follow-up survey.

Results

Twenty-one of 24 in the intervention group reported using the CD-ROM. Median usage minutes were 63.8. At follow-up, oncologists rated the CD-ROM from 1 (“none” or “not at all helpful”) to 5 (“a great deal” or “very helpful”). Mean responses were: 3.1 and 3.0 for 2 items assessing perceived impact on communications, 3.8–4.0 for 6 items assessing perceived helpfulness, 3.0 and 3.10 for 2 items assessing impact on affecting oncologists’ communication with patients and assistance with challenging conversations, respectively, and 3.6 for whether using the CD-ROM was worth their time. Self-report of how much oncologists had used the covered skills before and after intervention showed a perceived increase (2.8 before and 3.2 after).

Conclusions

Findings suggest the tailored interactive CD-ROM has promise for use and acceptance among oncologists.

Practice implications

If ultimately found effective in changing oncologist's communication with patients, the CD-ROM's widespread dissemination should be explored.