Table 1 The contents of the regular in-service training and the online ESRD CST course

Course contents

Basic communication skills training (theoretical lecture)

1. Truth-telling

• Theoretical framework of SHARE model and video demonstrations of the right (use SHARE model) and wrong methods of disclosure.

• Simulation scenario: a middle age female patient who was newly diagnosed with ESRD ^a. This patient and her husband would be told about the ESRD ^a diagnosis by the nephrologist for the first time.

2. Shared decision making

• Theoretical framework of Three-talk model and video demonstrations of the right (use Three-talk model) and wrong methods of deliberation.

• Simulation scenario: a middle age female patient who was newly diagnosed with ESRD ^a. The nephrologist discussed treatment options (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant) with patient and her husband. They decided to receive peritoneal dialysis based on patient’s preference.