Training Programs for Improving Communication about Medical Research and Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide recommendations on the structure, materials, and outcomes that should be adopted for communication training programs designed to improve clinical trial education for patients. Methods:A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted. A total of 22 studies were included. Several dimensions were analyzed, such as program design, content development, pedagogical tools, content of the program, and the outcomes affected. Results:The trainings described in the articles analyzed generally took the form of workshops and were developed by groups of heterogeneous experts. Trainings used a variety of educational materials and activities often developed by the research team hosting the training. The outcome measures and assessment methods were not consistent among the trainings, which hinders the ability to statistically synthetize findings. Conclusions:Findings from the review point to a number of recommendations for the development of future clinical research communication training programs. Training programs should be developed by a team of experts with a range of expertise and should be organized in the form of workshops. Participants should be able to role-play newly acquired communication skills using standardized patients.

Establishing communication challenges and preferences among clinical trial participants in an under-resourced setting to improve adherence to study visits and participant retention

“…Communication in a clinical research setting is primarily done to book participants for their visits, and to communicate with participants about their progress in the studies. 2 Morgan et al 3 reported that communication is crucial to ensure that recruitment, enrolment and retention of participants are successful. Verbal and non-verbal communication styles also influence the success of a clinical trial.…”

Assessing Communication Practice during Clinical Trial Recruitment and Consent: The Clinical Trial Communication Inventory (CTCI)

“…Current assessments of the quality of communication practice as an outcome of clinical trial communication training has focused on several tools: (1) surveys of training participants' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived self-efficacy; (2) role-plays to practice skills; (3) videotaping participants to provide individualized feedback, and (4) the use of check lists to assess recruiters' behaviors when interacting with potential participants [18]. While all of these assessment strategies are valuable, none of these approaches has been validated, including the self-report survey, which is the most commonly used tool [18]. The development and evaluation of more effective training programs depend heavily on the use of validated and, preferably, triangulated outcome measures.…”

“…Just as public speaking abilities can be developed through professional training, the specific interpersonal verbal and nonverbal practices that foster positive interactions with Clinical Trials in Vulnerable Populations patients in a clinical trial recruitment context can be taught [17]. The content of clinical trial communication training programs varies considerably (as do outcomes), but most programs appear to be successful in improving the confidence of those who recruit for studies [18].…”