• Peter Ullrich, Dorit Wollbrück, Helge Danker, and Susanne Singer.
• Department for Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Leipzig University, Faculty of Medicine, Phillip-Rosenthal-Str 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. peter.ullrich@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
• J Cancer Educ. 2011 Jun 1; 26 (2): 294-300.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a psychosocial training programme for speech therapists on their performance skills in patient-therapist communication in general and empathy in particular. Twenty-three speech therapists were interviewed in a pseudo-randomised controlled trial. Communication skills were tested using questionnaires with open questions. Respondents were asked to find adequate replies to clinical vignettes. The vignettes briefly described a patient's physical state and contained a statement from the patient expressing some distress. Answers were coded with qualitative content analysis. Communication skills improved considerably in terms of frequency of conducive communication (especially empathy) and width of conducive communicative repertoire. Negative communication preferences were reduced. Psychosocial training for speech therapists can improve communication skills manifestly and is therefore recommended for further use.

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