Training activity information
Details
Discuss results of an adapted protocol for cardio-oncology with a patient/healthcare professional
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- Before this activity, what are the key echocardiographic findings that may indicate cardiotoxicity in cancer patients?
- How will you explain these findings to the patient and their oncologist in a way that informs treatment decisions?
- What information is most relevant to communicate to the oncology team regarding the patient’s cardiac status?
- How will you approach discussing potentially concerning cardiac changes with a patient undergoing cancer treatment?
In action
- How are you structuring the discussion? What key echocardiographic findings related to potential cardiotoxicity are you highlighting (e.g., decrease in EF, pericardial effusion)? How are you explaining the potential implications of these findings for the patient’s cancer treatment? Who is your audience, and how is that influencing your communication? Are you tailoring your explanation based on the listener’s understanding of both cancer and heart conditions? Are you deciding how to explain the potential link between the cancer treatment and the cardiac findings? Are you comfortable discussing potentially concerning cardiac findings in the context of cancer treatment? Are you consciously using sensitive and clear language?
- Do you feel you are effectively communicating the echocardiographic findings and their potential relevance to the patient’s overall care? Are the questions being asked relevant to the information you have provided? Are you observing effective strategies for communicating potentially worrying medical information in a supportive way? Are you learning how to address questions about the interplay between cancer treatment and cardiac health? Are you drawing upon your understanding of oncology, cardiology, echocardiographic findings, and your communication skills?
- Could you provide information leaflets about cardiotoxicity or direct them to resources that explain the potential cardiac side effects of their cancer treatment? Are there different ways to frame the information to balance informing the patient without causing undue alarm? If questions arise about specific changes to the cancer treatment regimen or cardiac management that are beyond your current expertise, would you seek guidance from a senior colleague or the treating oncologist? Are the explanations and discussions you are having appropriate for your level of training, particularly regarding the complex interplay between oncology and cardiology?
On action
- Summarise the key echocardiographic findings in the cardio-oncology setting from the adapted protocol. Describe how you communicated these results to the patient and/or healthcare professional. Note their reactions and any questions they had.
- Reflect on your ability to explain echocardiographic findings in cardio-oncology to different audiences. Were you able to tailor your explanation appropriately? Were there any challenges in conveying the clinical significance of the findings? How does this relate to explaining imaging results?
- Identify any areas where you can improve your communication skills when discussing cardio-oncology findings. How will you ensure you provide clear and relevant information to both patients and healthcare professionals in the future?
Beyond action
- Have you discussed echo findings related to potential cardiotoxicity with patients undergoing cancer treatment and with their oncologists? How have you balanced the need to communicate potential cardiac risks with the primary focus on their cancer treatment?
- How has your ability to explain the significance of echocardiographic findings in the context of cancer therapy to both patients and oncologists improved? Are you more confident in discussing the potential impact of cancer treatment on cardiac function and the implications for their overall management?
- How will your communication skills in this sensitive area support your role in collaborative decision-making within the cardio-oncology multidisciplinary team? What did you learn about the importance of clear and timely communication between cardiology and oncology services?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Explain imaging results to patients and other health care professionals. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Distinguish and justify actions based on clinical and ECG findings. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Appraise new guidelines and evidence to inform practice. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Demonstrate safe practice in line with local, national and international guidelines and standards. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Assess and evaluate a patient’s clinical presentation and make recommendations for cardiac imaging. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Evaluate cardiac care pathways. |
| # 9 |
Outcome
Summarise complex information into a concise and logical reports for specialist and non-specialist audiences. |