NCT05456841 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Empathic Communication Skills (ECS) Training
What this study is about
Research indicates that perceived stigma within medical encounters is prevalent and problematic for lung cancer patients' well-being and quality of cancer care.
View original scientific description
Research indicates that perceived stigma within medical encounters is prevalent and problematic for lung cancer patients' well-being and quality of cancer care. Promoting empathic communication appears to be a potentially effective intervention target to help reduce patients' perceptions of stigma within clinical encounters; however, no formal trainings exist that focus on teaching empathic communication to oncology care providers (OCPs). Building upon favorable findings from a prior R21 (R21CA202793) and the importance of developing interventions to address lung cancer stigma, our goal is to conduct a national trial of empathic communication skills (ECS) training to facilitate improvements in the medical and psychosocial care of patients through de-stigmatizing interactions with OCPs for patients diagnosed with lung cancer.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Empathic Communication Skills (ECS) training
The overall training goal of this 2.25 hour module ECS module is to enhance OCP recognition and responsiveness to lung cancer patients' empathic opportunities by communicating understanding, alleviating stigma and distress, and providing support. The ECS training also provides tools to OCPs to buffer/inoculate patients against stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors by others such that lung cancer patients who currently or formerly smoked can be given "small doses" of an opposing viewpoint (termed as "preparing patients for recurring smoking questions") and suggestions of "counterarguments" in order to make them resistant to future stigmatizing attacks by others
OTHER
Standard of Care participant interaction
Standard of Care participant interaction
Primary outcome measures
Uptake of communication skills using standardized patient assessment/SPAs
Time frame: 3 months
A SPA involves a 12-minute video recorded interaction between the Oncology Care Provider/OCP and the Standardized Patient/SP on a given clinical scenario, using standardized scripts by the SP. Each OCP will participate in one SPA prior to their ECS training and one SPA following training or the timed control period. In contrast to clinical consultation recordings with varied clinical situations that do not necessitate the use of all strategies and skills, the semi-structured nature of SPAs permits appraisal of all desired elements of training.
Uptake of empathy skills using standardized patient assessment/SPAs
Time frame: 3 months
A SPA involves a 12-minute video recorded interaction between the Oncology Care Provider/OCP and the Standardized Patient/SP on a given clinical scenario, using standardized scripts by the SP. Each OCP will participate in one SPA prior to their ECS training and one SPA following training or the timed control period. In contrast to clinical consultation recordings with varied clinical situations that do not necessitate the use of all strategies and skills, the semi-structured nature of SPAs permits appraisal of all desired elements of training.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Site Eligibility
- Employs at least 15 FTE OCPs (i.e., oncologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) as per self report
- Reports a clinic volume of at least 20 new lung cancer patients per month as per self report OCP Participant Eligibility
- OCPs who are thoracic oncology physicians (radiologists, medical oncologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons), NPs, or PAs and currently treating lung cancer patients, as per self-report;
- OCP conducts consultations with lung cancer patients, as per self-report;
- OCP sees at least 1 lung cancer patient per week, as per self-report; Patient Eligibility
- Patient under the care of a participating OCP as per self report;
- English and/or Spanish speaking;
- In general, which language do you prefer to receive your medical care, English/Spanish/both English and Spanish Equally?
- If English, treat as fluent in English, no additional language questions
- If Spanish, treat as fluent in Spanish, no additional language questions
- If both English and Spanish equally, ask the follow-up questions and go with whichever language is endorsed as best. If endorsed equally, assign to category patient prefers
- How well do you speak English? Not at all/ Not well/Well/Very well
- How well do you speak Spanish? Not at all/Not well/Well/Very well
- Is at least 18 years of age as per self report;
- Has a history of suspicious lung mass or confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, as per clinician judgment or medical record note;
- Is a former or current smoking as per self report;
- Has had no more than 10 prior visits with the participating OCP, as per the medical record and/or self report
Exclusion criteria
- Patient Exclusion
- Individuals of impaired decision-making capacity as per a clinician's judgment or as documented in the EMR. Site and OCP Exclusion
Where
- Irvine, California
- Miami, Florida
- Libertyville, Illinois
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Hackensack, New Jersey
- Buffalo, New York
- New York, New York
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Chesapeake, Virginia
Collaborators
American Cancer Society, Inc., Go2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations