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Practice Pearl 5
Good communication is the foundation of strong trusting relationships between patients and their doctors, and all clinicians can build upon their communication skills. In this module, we examine communications strategies in cancer consultations and arm you with practical tools for difficult conversations. We also look at the psychosocial impact of cancer on the patient and their loved ones, and discuss how you can help your patients.
The Practice Pearls are a series of easy-to-digest resources for busy GPs and other medical, nursing and allied professionals who are not specialised in the treatment of melanoma. They have a strong diagnostic and practical management emphasis to help you gain a better understanding of the disease.
FACULTY
Dr Alexander Varey
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia and Westmead Hospital | Clinical Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney
A/Prof Jonathan Stretch AM
Surgical Oncologist and Deputy Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Associate Professor of Melanoma and Skin Oncology, The University of Sydney
A/Prof Robyn Saw
General Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia | Associate Professor in Surgery, The University of Sydney | Head of Department, Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Apply principles of effective and empathic communication in difficult conversations with patients diagnosed with melanoma.
2. Assess the psychosocial impact of melanoma on patients, their families and carers.
3. Provide psychological interventions to optimise patient safety and wellbeing.
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Roland Chee
Design Suggestions
The course is well structured, flows well, and the contents has a considered breadth and depth. However, the course, as it is presented, is not suitable for small screen devices such as a 12"-13" laptop. Reasons: The words are very small and difficult to read. In comparison, the images are large. When zoomed in within the browser, one loses some of the text and the images tend to dominate. However, the use of interactive elements in the course makes for effective learning of major points, and compensates for the burden of details. Finally, the final slide that list article references are important, but the design does not allow for scrolling down to view the full list. It would add a level of convenience for those taking the course to be able to download a list of the references used for the course. The research and content presented are very helpful. Suggestions are mainly on the delivery of the course for electronic devices that have small screens.
