Media release
28 March 2007
Better communication, better care
The National Breast Cancer Centre has launched a new website dedicated to supporting and promoting communication skills training for all cancer health professionals.
The website, viewed at www.nbocc.org.au/commskills, aims to support health professionals to implement evidence-based communication skills training at a local level. It also promotes communication skills as a compulsory professional competence for all health professionals.
Chair of the National Breast Cancer Centre’s Communication Skills Training Steering Committee, Professor Phyllis Butow from the University of Sydney, said effective communication is a key element of cancer care.
“Evidence shows effective communication between health professionals and people with cancer not only improves understanding and satisfaction with care, but can also assist people in adjusting to a diagnosis of cancer,” said Professor Butow.
“The National Breast Cancer Centre’s website brings together health professionals with an interest in communication skills – providing information and support to build capacity for future training.”
Key features of the website will include:
- An outline of the evidence supporting communication skills training
- Information about the National Breast Cancer Centre’s Communication Skills Training Initiative including the provision of workshop grants
- A calendar of upcoming workshops and events across Australia
- Citations of recently published articles and research in the area
- An overview of national providers of communication skills training
- An email alert notifying subscribers of upcoming initiatives
The website will be a dynamic resource with content regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in communication skills training and upcoming events.
The National Breast Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833