Teaching Patients How to Improve Communication with Their Health Care Providers: A Unique Workshop Experience

Background. A one-day workshop was held to educate cancer patients about improving communication with their cancer care providers. Methods. The workshop included three sessions: 1) Getting through the Diagnosis/Prognosis Phase, 2) Exploring Treatment Options, and 3) Asking Difficult Questions (when medicines no longer work). Results. Qualitative and survey data revealed that many participated in order to share their experiences with others rather than to be taught effective communication skills. Humor, spirituality, and the association between cancer and death were prevalent issues. Conclusion. This workshop represented an enjoyable and informative venue for approaching communication issues from patients' and family members' perspective.