Training programs in communication skills for healthcare professionals caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families: A systematic review of healthcare professionals' behavioral impact and children's health outcomes

This article systematically reviews communication skills training programs for healthcare professionals caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families, assessing their impact on professionals' behaviors and patient outcomes. The review identified nine randomized controlled trials involving over 550 healthcare professionals and 3,200 children and families, primarily focusing on life-threatening conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Findings suggest that communication training may improve healthcare professionals' communication behaviors, including information gathering and supportive skills, but there is low-certainty evidence and no clear impact on children's or families' quality of life, psychological distress, or satisfaction. The study highlights the need for standardized measurement tools, consistent timing of outcome assessments, and further research incorporating children's perspectives to better evaluate and develop effective communication training in pediatric settings.