Enhancing patient safety through effective communication in clinical trials and cancer care: a blog by Tambre Leighn

Summary

In this blog, patient advocate and healthcare communications consultant, Tambre Leighn, summarises her poster, Ask Me! Transforming Patient Communication to Improve Enrolment & Adherence in Clinical Trials and Cancer Care, presented at this year's American Association of Cancer Researchers conference. Tambre discusses how effective communication is essential for ensuring patient safety in clinical trials and cancer care, and why poor communication can lead to negative outcomes. She shares her strategies to improve patient safety through communication.

Content

Although we spend many of our waking hours communicating in various ways—writing, speaking, via technology, body language—communication is a skill not everyone performs as well as they can or as well as they think they do. This gap between perceived and actual communication skills can have significant repercussions, particularly when it involves patients.

The role of effective communication in patient safety

Effective communication is essential for ensuring patient safety in clinical trials and cancer care. Poor communication can lead to various negative outcomes, including lack of diversity in clinical trial enrolment, decreased adherence to treatment, patient dissatisfaction and inefficient use of resources. By fostering open, honest and clear communication, healthcare professionals can mitigate these risks and enhance overall patient safety.

Improving patient communication

1. Informed decision-making: Clear communication ensures patients fully comprehend the potential risks and benefits of participating in clinical trials. This informed consent process is crucial for patient safety as it empowers patients to make decisions that are in their best interest. Similarly, for patients to actively partner with their healthcare team regarding treatment decisions, education about available treatment options must be provided in terms patients can understand.
2. Adherence to treatment: Effective communication has been shown to improve patient adherence to treatment protocols. A study indicated that there is a 19% higher risk of nonadherence among patients whose physicians communicate poorly.[1] Improved adherence reduces the risk of treatment complications and enhances the efficacy of the treatment.
3. Management of side effects: Discussing potential side effects and how to manage them helps patients prepare for and cope with their treatment. This proactive approach may potentially reduce or prevent adverse events and improve patient safety by ensuring that side effects are promptly and effectively addressed.
4. Addressing barriers: Open communication helps identify and address barriers that might prevent patients from participating in clinical trials or adhering to their treatment plan. These barriers can include financial concerns, logistical issues or lack of support systems. By understanding and addressing these concerns, healthcare professionals can create a safer and more supportive environment for patients.

Strategies to improve patient safety through communication

1. Build trust: Establishing a trusting relationship with patients is foundational. Use empathy and non-judgmental communication to create a safe space for patients to share their concerns and preferences.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage patients to share detailed information about their experiences, concerns and expectations. Asking open-ended questions helps uncover important insights that can inform safer care practices.
3. Engaged listening: Truly listen to what patients are saying without interrupting. This demonstrates respect and ensures that patients feel heard and understood, which can significantly impact their sense of safety and trust in their care team.
4. Provide clear and comprehensive information: Ensure patients receive all the necessary information about their treatment, potential risks and the specifics of clinical trials or cancer treatment in a way that is easy to understand. Avoid medical jargon and check for understanding to ensure clarity.
5. Cultural sensitivity: Be aware of and responsive to the cultural and language needs of patients. This can involve providing translation services or culturally relevant information to ensure that all patients have equitable access to safe care.
6. Follow-up and feedback: Regularly check in with patients to monitor their progress, address any new concerns and adjust care plans as needed. This continuous feedback loop helps maintain patient safety throughout the treatment process.

Conclusion

Improving communication between healthcare professionals and patients is a vital strategy for enhancing patient safety in clinical trials and cancer care. By building trust, actively listening, providing clear information and addressing barriers, healthcare professionals can create a safer and more effective care environment.

Reference

1. Zolnierek KB, Dimatteo MR. Physician communication and patient adherence to treatment: a meta-analysis. Med Care 2009 Aug;47(8):826-34. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e31819a5acc. PMID: 19584762; PMCID: PMC2728700

View Tambre's poster here.

About the Author

Tambre Leighn is the founder of Well Beyond Ordinary, a boutique health communications agency specialising in training and patient centric education and content.