Communication skills training beneficial for healthcare professionals working in cancer care

CST for HCPs working in cancer care using learner‐centred, experiential education methods by experienced facilitators improved some communication skills, particularly empathy, and helped HCPs to be less likely to give facts only without individualising their responses to the patient's emotions or offering support. Doctors and nurses did not perform differently for any HCP outcomes. There was no evidence to support a beneficial effect of CST on HCP “burnout” nor with regard to patient mental or physical health and satisfaction, or patient perception of the HCPs’ communication skills.