Table 1.

Components of CST Programme based on SHARE model

	Description
Conceptual communication skills model: SHARE
S	Setting up supportive environment for interview, including fundamental communication skills (eg, greeting patient cordially, looking at patient’s eyes and face)
H	Considering how to deliver bad news (eg, not beginning bad news without preamble, checking to see whether talk is fast paced)
A	Discussing additional information that patient would like to know (eg, answering patient’s questions fully, explaining second opinion)
RE	Providing reassurance and addressing patient’s emotions with empathic responses (eg, remaining silent out of concern for patient’s feelings, accepting patient’s expression of emotions)
Component
Lecture	Introduction, communication skills model, evidence on preferences of patients with cancer regarding communication
Role-playing	Simulated consultation with simulated patient using communication skills with scenarios, discussing with facilitator, summary
Scenarios on communication in advanced care	Discontinuing chemotherapy
	Dealing with patient asking questions
Setting	1 participant
	1 facilitator
	1 simulated patient
Schedule	Orientation and lecture (30 min)
	Role-playing with immediate feedback (60 min ×2)

CST, communication skills training.