Teaching clinician-patient communication in the treatment of breast diseases

In 1998, some 179,000 women in the United States were newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and 48,500 women died from ii. Early detection by mammograph y, physical examination, and breast self-examination improves survival rate s and can decrease mortality. The clinician's level of comfort with discuss ing education and prevention with patients can influence patients' adherenc e to preventive measures. Improved clinician-patient interpersonal communic ation has a demonstrated positive impact on adherence and health outcomes. We developed and pilot tested a core curriculum on breast health aimed at p rimary care community physicians and resident house staff. The goal was to improve interpersonal communication between clinician and patient. Two grou ps of participants attended either a week-long or a 2-week-long training pr ogram consisting of four components: a brief demonstration of an interview and breast examination, interviews and breast examinations with a standardi zed patient, and two separate workshops of varying length. This pilot progr am had a significant impact on clinician behavior and knowledge. We recomme nd further investigation of this area with larger sample sizes.