Individual abstract within a Delegate Designed Symposium Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Developing precision communication practice in neuro-oncology; the evolution of the ICONIC program. (142923)

Dianne M Legge 1 2 3 , Haryana M Dhillon 4 , Lauren J Breen 5 , Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell 4 , Hui Gan 6 7 , Georgia K B Halkett 2
  1. ONJ Cancer Centre - Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
  2. Curtin School of Nursing/Curtin Medical Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
  3. School of Allied Health, Human Service & Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
  4. Psycho-oncology Co-operative Group (PoCoG), School pf Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  6. ONJ Cancer Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
  7. Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia

Background

Tailoring communication to the needs of people with brain cancer and their families is vital in navigating complex needs and enabling active participation in healthcare.  We developed a communication training intervention targeting healthcare professions (HCPs) working in neuro-oncology (ICONIC). ICONIC features online modules and an experiential workshop with simulation. We aimed to assess: i) whether HCPs self-efficacy in patient and carer communication improved following ICONIC; and ii) feasibility and acceptability of this intervention.

 

Methods

 The study followed pre/post single arm intervention design. Participants were HCPs who self-nominated for the training, recruited via conference promotion and professional networks. HCPs completed demographic and baseline measures, ICONIC online modules, and interactive workshop. Workshops were held alongside conference programs to enhance recruitment. Self-reported clinical communication measures, Self-Efficacy-12 (SE-12) and 10-point Confidence to Communicate (C2C-10) where collected at two timepoints (baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention). Evaluations were completed immediately post-workshop, followed by the Acceptability and Feasibility Scale (AFAS) 4-weeks post intervention.  Semi-structured interviews were conducted 3 months post-intervention to review barriers and enablers to strategy implementation. Online user analytics were collected and analysed.

 

Results

To date, thirty-two HCPs have participated across two workshops. Baseline mean scores for SE-12 = 86.59 (SD 19.09) and C2C-10 = 62.13 (SD 16.24). 96.9% of participants would recommend ICONIC to other HCPs, and more than 90% found material, feedback format and role-plays safe and relevant to their practice. Post-workshop feedback indicated role-play activities with simulated scenarios, actors and observation of other HCPs approaches were the most useful element of the ICONIC training.

 

Conclusion

ICONIC presented a learning opportunity for HCPs to tailor their communication for people with brain cancer and their families. Training formats were perceived positively, particularly when they enabled participants to practise strategies with trained actors, receive immediate feedback, and reflect on their learning experiences.