Integrating psychotherapeutic concepts to enhance serious illness communication: Assessment of a model curriculum

Integrating psychotherapeutic concepts to enhance serious illness communication: Assessment of a model curriculum
Journal of Palliative Medicine; by Danielle Chammas, Keri Brenner, Amanda Moment, Sarah E. Byrne-Martelli, Leah B. Rosenberg, Daniel Shalev; 5/25
Serious illness communication training often focuses on sharing medical information, discussing goals of care, and supporting patients and caregivers. Few communication frameworks explicitly integrate psychosocial concepts to improve therapeutic efficacy. Using Kern’s six-step curriculum development model, we created an interactive workshop focused on psychological formulation and countertransference. Results: Satisfaction was high (92% satisfied or highly satisfied), and most participants reported meaningful impact on their clinical practice (89%), teaching (93%), and team collaboration (93%) at eight-week follow-up. Conclusions: A multisite, half-day workshop significantly enhanced palliative care clinicians’ knowledge and perceived application of core psychotherapeutic concepts.