ASCO has published a consensus guideline addressing patient-clinician communication. It covers 9 communication skills areas, including:

• Core communication skills: Explore the patient’s understanding of their illness. With the patient, set an agenda based patient/family input. During visits, exhibit behavior that fosters trust, confidence, and collaboration.
• Discussing cost of care: Explore whether cost is a concern for patients with cancer.
• Communicating effectively when facing communication barriers: For patients with low health literacy, focus on the most important points, use plain language, and check frequently for understanding. Describe absolute risk rather than relative risk.
• Discussing end-of-life care: Initiate such conversations early in the course of incurable illness. Readdress periodically based on clinical events or patient preferences.
• Using communication to facilitate family involvement in care: Suggest such involvement early in the course of the illness for support and discussion about goals of care.