Above and beyond: an exploratory study of breast cancer patient accounts of healthcare provider information-giving practices and informational support

Abstract

This qualitative study examines breast cancer patients’ accounts of the characteristics of healthcare providers’ supportive information- giving practices. Twenty-two women diagnosed with breast cancer participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews designed to understand their experiences receiving supportive information from healthcare providers (e.g., oncologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners). Participants’ accounts suggest that providers who spend extensive time discussing cancer-related information and who explain that information thoroughly so that patients can understand their medical situation, are communicating informational support in contrast to merely presenting factual information related to cancer diagnosis and treatments. Participant accounts further suggest that the supportive nature of provider information-giving practices results from message framing, or the provider’s metacommunication.

Healthcare provider assessments of caregiver communication behaviors during gynecologic Cancer treatment appointments

“…Findings support prior research and identify that caregiver behaviors present interaction challenges for HCPs when caregivers interfere with the HCP's agenda and when their presence inhibits patient disclosure regarding prognosis or sexuality [ 32 , 33 ]. Additionally supporting prior work, unhelpful behavior HCPs discussed most is interference with treatment decisions, including what treatment to pursue or when to stop treatment [ 34 , 35 ]. Findings also extend prior research: specifically, HCPs evaluated caregiver behaviors as challenging when caregivers express their own anxieties, when caregivers are disengaged, and when patients request caregiver inclusion via telehealth.…”

“…Several HCPs (oncologists specifically) raised this as a common challenge. HCPs are encouraged to communicate in supportive and caring ways particularly while interacting digitally [ 35 ]. Future research should also evaluate efficacy of communication training for patients, caregivers, and HCPs.…”