KK, Antonsen
AT, Johnsen
LØ, Poulsen
JD, Lyhne
L, Lund
S, Eßer-Naumann
S, Timm
LH, Jensen
Funding for this research was provided by:
Region of Southern Jutland and Region of Zealand’s Joint Research Pool (R38-A1420)
The Danish Cancer Society (R344-A19470)
The Research Council, Vejle Hospital
The Pedersholm Foundation
University of Southern Denmark
Article History
Received: 6 November 2023
Accepted: 30 April 2024
First Online: 10 May 2024
Declarations
:
: The Research Ethics Committee at the University of Southern Denmark approved the study (23/19397). The Region of Southern Denmark (22/57137) approved the data processing. Adult patients voluntarily rate their doctor's communication by completing a questionnaire. The patient questionnaire is provided along with both oral and written information that we are evaluating the patient experience of the doctors’ communication as part of a scientific study. By filling in the questionnaire the patient give their informed consent. If the patient chooses not to fill in the questionnaire, they can refuse to receive the questionnaire or simply return a blank questionnaire (both types of answers will be registered as blank answers and be part of the evaluation of the return rate). Theoretically, they may “fear” the consequences of a poor evaluation of the doctor. To reduce this potential dilemma, the questionnaire is accompanied by oral and written information explaining that the replies are anonymous and handled confidentially. The patients are asked to fold the completed or empty questionnaire and drop it in a closed mailbox assigned to the project. During the intervention period all patients will be asked for consent to having the psychologist observe the consultation. The patients will be informed that the psychologist will focus on the doctor rather than the patient and will not interfere. No explanation is required from patients declining the presence of the psychologist. Doctors may find it inconvenient to complete questionnaires and spend time on psychological On-site SCT at the end of intervention days, although they take place within normal working hours. Some doctors may be vulnerable to the communication, but the training is confidential, and the psychologist will support the doctors. Participation in the study is voluntary. Participating doctors will provide written and orally informed consent. No research has indicated any side effects of psychological treatment in healthcare workers. If a doctor shows signs of distress or depression during the intervention, the psychologist will be requested to address it. The assigned psychologist will record and follow up on any severe adverse effects until the issue is resolved, stabilized, or the study's association with it has been dismissed. The project may provide new knowledge about improved communication skills for the benefit of future patients as well as healthcare workers.
: Not applicable.
: The authors declare no competing interests.