December 17, 2021

Communication in cancer care: Regenstrief expert shares decades of experience

A Regenstrief research scientist who has conducted decades of research on clinician-patient communication, shared his knowledge in the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s monthly series called “Simon Says.”

The monthly virtual series was created to improve connections between cancer experts and the community, allowing people the opportunity to learn about the latest cancer research and pose questions.

Regenstrief Research Scientist Richard M. Frankel, PhD, spoke at the December 10, 2021 presentation, “In the Exam Room: A Conversation About the Conversations that Lead to High-quality Cancer Care.” He was joined by communication researcher Ann Cottingham, MAR, MA, Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine; and blood cancer specialist Larry Cripe, M.D., IU Health and IU School of Medicine, to discuss the importance of meaningful communication for high-quality cancer care, focusing on how people with cancer, their care team and friends and family members can discuss difficult topics. Dr. Frankel researches clinician-patient communication and its effects on quality and safety of care.

In addition to his role at Regenstrief, Dr. Frankel is a professor of medicine at IU School of Medicine and a core investigator at the VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Richard Roudebush VA Medical Center.