Structured Communication Skills Training Scales Across Cancer Centers to Improve Goal-Concordant Care
Published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, the Improving Goal Concordant Care (IGCC) initiative evaluated the implementation of structured communication skills training (CST) across 10 dedicated cancer centers to strengthen serious illness communication in oncology. The program trained over 2,200 clinicians, achieving an 80% completion rate and exceeding the 65% target at most sites. Results showed high clinician satisfaction, strong intent to apply skills in practice, and improvements in self-efficacy alongside reduced distress. Implementation success was supported by leadership engagement, mandates, and incentives, while barriers included workforce constraints, leadership turnover, and competing institutional priorities. The findings demonstrate that CST can be effectively scaled and sustained across complex health systems to advance goal-concordant care.