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The Acknowledge–Normalize–Partner (ANP) Framework: A novel empathic communication tool for oncology nurses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2022

Dana Kramer Open the ORCID record for Dana Kramer [Opens in a new window] ,
Kimberly Chow ,
Mary Elizabeth Davis ,
Judith E. Nelson ,
Kelley Anderson ,
Molly Okpako ,
Camila Bernal ,
Catherine E. Malisse  and
Jessica I. Goldberg Open the ORCID record for Jessica I. Goldberg [Opens in a new window]
Dana Kramer*
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Kimberly Chow
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Mary Elizabeth Davis
Affiliation:
Department of Evidence-Based Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Judith E. Nelson
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Kelley Anderson
Affiliation:
Center for Nursing Excellence, UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA
Molly Okpako
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Camila Bernal
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Catherine E. Malisse
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Jessica I. Goldberg
Affiliation:
Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
*
Author for correspondence: Dana Kramer, Supportive Care Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 486, New York, NY 10065, USA. E-mail: kramerd@mskcc.org
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Abstract

Objective

To describe the development and implementation of a novel tool designed to enhance nurse–patient communication in a major academic cancer center, which nurses can learn quickly, incorporate into their primary palliative care practice, and broadly disseminate in order to improve the patient experience.

Method

An evidence-based empathic communication tool and educational program were designed to provide essential skills to oncology nurses in having discussions with patients about their personal values. Evaluation included nurse focus groups, pre- and post-course evaluations and interviews, and patient questionnaires.

Results

Nurses were satisfied with the educational program and found the communication tool effective in a variety of clinical situations including discussions about personal values. Patients reported increased occurrences of these discussions when nurses utilized the framework (97% vs. 58%, p < 0.0001) and a higher quality of clinician communication (mean [SD] from 0 = very worst to 10 = very best: 7.18 [2.3] vs. 5.04 [2.9], p = 0.001).

Significance of results

Skilled, empathic communication is an essential component of high-quality primary palliative care. Oncology nurses are well suited to lead communication and provide this care as part of an interprofessional team. The training and tool described here are targeted and efficient, and prepare nurses to respond skillfully to emotion while facilitating important discussions about patient values.

Keywords

Communication skills trainingNurse–patient communicationPalliative care educationPrimary palliative care
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 21 , Issue 1 , February 2023 , pp. 12 - 19
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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