ORGANISER: Curtin School of Nursing with Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group ( PoCoG)

ICONIC (Improving communication and support for people with brain cancer and their families) is communication skills training targeting healthcare professionals working with people diagnosed with brain cancer or glioma, in the context of cognitive impairment. ICONIC was co-designed by nurses, medical and allied health professionals working in neuro-oncology and presented as part of a PhD study. Prospective workshop participants will be asked to consent to the ICONIC Pilot Study.

ICONIC targets an unmet training need for cancer nurses with an opportunity to learn from other healthcare areas and enhance their skills in working with people with cognitive impairment in oncology. ICONIC is suitable for cancer nurses at all levels of skills and experience.

Learning Outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

Understand and use specific strategies to tailor communication for people with cognitive impairment in oncology;
Identify communication strategies for people with brain cancer and families, to promote involvement and inclusion;
Use specific strategies to manage challenging interactions with patients and their families.

ICONIC Format:

ICONIC Online is an online training module, comprising 4 short modules and will be available for access before the workshop.
ICONIC Live is the 3-hour interactive practice workshop at CNSA ASM, including relevant case studies, live practice scenarios with actors, small group discussion, real-time feedback and reflection activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Optional: ICONIC After is a 60-minute online session held 4 weeks after the ICONIC Live workshop for reflection and clarification.

Evaluation: As part of the pilot study, pre/post-training surveys will be conducted. Voluntary follow-up interviews will be offered three months after the workshop to review implementation.

ICONIC: Improving communication and support for people with brain cancer and their families