The Association of Cancer Physicians

As part of peer review all members of cancer MDTs are now expected to take part in a 3-day communication skills course. This initiative will hopefully improve the general standards of communication by healthcare professionals, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce complaints. However whether members of the MDT who have already done training should be targeted could be discussed and the significant resource implications need to be considered. Doctors.net now hosts a comprehensive microsite with more information. Otherwise you can read about the scheme here and here. Dr Pauline Leonard, a medical oncologist involved in setting up the programme was interviewed for the Daily Telegraph. Pauline has kindly provided answers to some of the questions you may have and also comments from previous course attendees.