Seven studies (3,003 adult cancer patients and 411 healthcare professionals) were included in the review: five randomised controlled trials, a single group pre- and post-test study and a repeated measurement design. Allocation concealment was inadequate for two studies. Protection from contamination was judged inadequate in one study and unclear in four studies. Performance outcomes of healthcare professionals were assessed blindly in six studies. Five studies had a less than 20% dropout rate that was comparable between groups.
Training effect on behavioural outcomes of the healthcare professionals were observed in six studies where the communication behaviour was observed during patient encounters.
None of the interventions had any effects on quality of life of patients in the four studies that assessed this outcome. Training effects on patient satisfaction were observed in three studies. No significant training effects were observed on patient distress.