tALk2care: improving the experience and quality of life of patients with respiratory disease treated with oxygen therapy through relationship-centered care

Background: Communication is important for a good care experience. Objective: To know the benefits of ‘tALk2care’ training program for professionals on the patient’s experience with oxygen therapy treatment at home. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was performed at the La Princesa University Hospital. 6 oxygen therapy technicians participated in the study. 3 technicians were trained by a psychologist with the ‘tALk2care’. 169 respiratory patients with a new oxygen therapy prescription were treated by the technicians, being assigned to 2 groups: control or ‘tALk2care’. The interventions related to oxygen therapy were the same in both groups, with communication training for technicians being the intervention of the ‘tALk2care’ group. The outcomes were experience, quality of life, motivation, perception of therapy, dyspnea and adherence. The outcomes for the technicians were self-efficacy in communication and the risk of burn-out. Results: After 6 months, ‘tALk2care’ group patients had a better relational experience (F[1] = 10.572; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.065), global experience (F[1] = 7.356; p < 0.007; η2 = 0.046), perception of therapy (F[1] = 4.981; p = 0.027; η2 = 0.032), motivation (F[1] = 158.942; p < 0.001; η2 = 112) and quality of life (F[1] = 7.475; p = 0.007; η2 = 0.046). ‘tALk2care’ technicians presented greater self-perception in communication and personal-accomplishment and less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Conclusion: ‘tALk2care’ improves the communication skills of technicians and improves experience, and quality of life of patients who are cared for by these technicians.