Publications [#276656] of Kevin P. Weinfurt

Papers Published

1. Meropol, NJ; Egleston, BL; Buzaglo, JS; Balshem, A; Benson, AB; Cegala, DJ; Cohen, RB; Collins, M; Diefenbach, MA; Miller, SM; Fleisher, L; Millard, JL; Ross, EA; Schulman, KA; Silver, A; Slater, E; Solarino, N; Sulmasy, DP; Trinastic, J; Weinfurt, KP (2013). A Web-based communication aid for patients with cancer: the CONNECT Study.. Cancer, 119(7), 1437-1445. [23335150], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/18)

   Abstract:
   BACKGROUND: Cancer patients and their oncologists often report differing perceptions of consultation discussions and discordant expectations regarding treatment outcomes. CONNECT, a computer-based communication aid, was developed to improve communication between patients and oncologists. METHODS: CONNECT includes assessment of patient values, goals, and communication preferences; patient communication skills training; and a preconsultation physician summary report. CONNECT was tested in a 3-arm, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Prior to the initial medical oncology consultation, adult patients with advanced cancer were randomized to the following arms: 1) control; 2) CONNECT with physician summary; or 3) CONNECT without physician summary. Outcomes were assessed with postconsultation surveys. RESULTS: Of 743 patients randomized, 629 completed postconsultation surveys. Patients in the intervention arms (versus control) felt that the CONNECT program made treatment decisions easier to reach (P = .003) and helped them to be more satisfied with these decisions (P < .001). In addition, patients in the intervention arms reported higher levels of satisfaction with physician communication format (P = .026) and discussion regarding support services (P = .029) and quality of life concerns (P = .042). The physician summary did not impact outcomes. Patients with higher levels of education and poorer physical functioning experienced greater benefit from CONNECT. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized clinical trial demonstrates that computer-based communication skills training can positively affect patient satisfaction with communication and decision-making. Measurable patient characteristics may be used to identify subgroups most likely to benefit from an intervention such as CONNECT.