Study designs of evaluations included in the review
The authors did not state what type of studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Both randomised controlled trials and observational studies were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies that evaluated any type of communication skills training of relevance to cancer health professionals were eligible. A wide range of training programmes were included.
Participants included in the review
Studies of health care professionals working with people with cancer were eligible for inclusion. The participants in the included studies included oncologists, oncology nurses, general practitioners and medical students.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The authors did not state any outcomes that the studies had to include in order to be considered for inclusion. The main outcomes of the review appeared to be improved communication skills and knowledge, satisfaction among health care workers and patients, and stress and burnout.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.