Evaluation of the ‘Talking Together’ simulation communication training for ‘goals of patient care’ conversations: a mixed-methods study in five metropolitan public hospitals in Western Australia

INTRODUCTION: In partnership with Cancer Council Western Australia (WA), the East Metropolitan Health Service in Perth, WA has developed a clinical simulation training programme ‘Talking Together’ using role play scenarios with trained actors as patients/carers. The aim of the training is to improve clinicians’ communication skills when having challenging conversations with patients, or their carers, in relation to goals of care in the event of clinical deterioration. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multisite, longitudinal mixed-methods study will be conducted to evaluate the impact of the communication skills training programme on patient, family/carer and clinician outcomes. Methods include online surveys and interviews. The study will assess outcomes in three areas: evaluation of the ‘Talking Together’ workshops and their effect on satisfaction, confidence and integration of best practice communication skills; quality of goals of patient care conversations from the point of view of clinicians, carers and family/carers; and investigation of the nursing/allied role in goals of patient care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has received ethical approval from the Royal Perth Hospital, St John of God and Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committees. The outputs from this project will be a series of research papers and conference presentations.