Dr. Parker, Dr. Banerjee, and Dr. Travado will describe communication skills training, both overall and in special contexts. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has developed an evidence-based, robust program in communication skills training with a mission “to work in partnership with clinicians of all disciplines to improve communication with cancer patients and their families, and thus enhance overall adaptation to the illness.” Recognizing clinical challenges and developing healthcare provider-focused communication skills training to improve patient outcomes highlights the thematic similarity of many research endeavors in the Communication Skills Training and Research Lab. This presentation will include an overview of communication skills training for different oncology clinicians, followed by a focus on training clinicians caring for special populations, i.e., older adult with cancer, and pediatric patients. We will conclude with an overview of evaluation of communication skills training programs and future directions.

Dr. Parker, Dr. Banerjee, and Dr. Travado will describe communication skills training, both overall and in special contexts. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has developed an evidence-based, robust program in communication skills training with a mission “to work in partnership with clinicians of all disciplines to improve communication with cancer patients and their families, and thus enhance overall adaptation to the illness.” Recognizing clinical challenges and developing healthcare provider-focused communication skills training to improve patient outcomes highlights the thematic similarity of many research endeavors in the Communication Skills Training and Research Lab. This presentation will include an overview of communication skills training for different oncology clinicians, followed by a focus on training clinicians caring for special populations, i.e., older adult with cancer, and pediatric patients. We will conclude with an overview of evaluation of communication skills training programs and future directions.

Dr. Parker, Dr. Banerjee, and Dr. Travado will describe communication skills training, both overall and in special contexts. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has developed an evidence-based, robust program in communication skills training with a mission “to work in partnership with clinicians of all disciplines to improve communication with cancer patients and their families, and thus enhance overall adaptation to the illness.” Recognizing clinical challenges and developing healthcare provider-focused communication skills training to improve patient outcomes highlights the thematic similarity of many research endeavors in the Communication Skills Training and Research Lab. This presentation will include an overview of communication skills training for different oncology clinicians, followed by a focus on training clinicians caring for special populations, i.e., older adult with cancer, and pediatric patients. We will conclude with an overview of evaluation of communication skills training programs and future directions.