An evidence-based communication skills training programme for oncology nurses improves patient-centred communication, enhancing empathy, reassurance and discussion of psychosocial needs.

Context Given the increasingly complex treatments in cancer care, patient–provider communication may become overly medically focused. The authors highlight the need of oncology providers to understand ‘where the patient stands’ to be patient centred in their communication and to maintain hope in their patients. Today’s oncology nurse provides expert psychosocial and biomedical care to cancer patients but may need support and continuing education to improve communication with patients facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an established communication skills training programme developed by the Swiss Cancer League. It was provided in a 2.5-day seminar and, after 6 months, a 1.5-day ‘booster’ session, an important feature given the known attrition of communication skills after training programmes. Participants were offered telephone consultations (up to fi ve) with a trainer between the two sessions.