An internet method to assess cancer patient information needs and enhance doctor-patient communication: A pilot study

Buzaglo, Joanne S.; Millard, Jannifer L.; Ridgway, Caroline G.; Ross, Eric A.; Antaramian, Susan P.; Miller, Suzanne M.; Meropol, Neal J.

doi:10.1007/bf03174122

Cited by 19 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…However, some studies showed no significant associations between information needs and gender [35] and level of education [36–38]. Therefore, these patient characteristics need to be considered to better understand change in information needs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do patients’ information needs decrease over the course of radiotherapy?

Douma

Koning

Zandbelt

et al. 2011

Support Care Cancer

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PurposeWe aimed to investigate if cancer patients’ information needs decrease during radiotherapy and if so, which patient, consultation and radiation oncologist characteristics are associated with a decrease in information needs over time.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, patients (n = 104) completed a baseline questionnaire a week before the initial radiotherapy consultation, immediately following this initial consultation, and 1 week prior to the first follow-up visit, which took place on average 3–5 weeks after the initial visit. Besides information needs, measured by the Information Preference for Radiotherapy Patients scale, the questionnaire assessed patient, consultation and radiation oncologist characteristics.ResultsInformation needs decreased over time, but remained at a high level. Being religious, being male, having low health literacy and higher perceived involvement during the consultation were all statistically significantly associated to a decrease in information needs on specific domains (e.g. procedures or side effects).ConclusionsCancer patients’ information needs decline between the initial consultation and the first follow-up visit, but remain high. It is therefore advised to investigate the patients’ information needs at every radiotherapy visit and not rely on giving information just once. Furthermore, radiation oncologists should check if the information given at first consultation is understood and remembered. By those means, tailored information giving becomes possible.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do patients’ information needs decrease over the course of radiotherapy?

Douma

Koning

Zandbelt

et al. 2011

Support Care Cancer

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“…The baseline computer survey for the intervention groups collected demographic information and measured cancer-related distress, 14 decision making preference, 15, 16 relative health stock, 17, 18 value assigned to quality of life and length of life, 4, 7, 13 communication preferences, 19 interest in clinical trials, and current health state. 20 The baseline survey for control group participants included only demographics, current health state, and cancer-related distress.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Web‐based communication aid for patients with cancer

Egleston

Buzaglo

Balshem

et al. 2013

Cancer

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Background Cancer patients and their oncologists often report differing perceptions of consultation discussions and discordant expectations regarding treatment outcomes. CONNECT™, a computer-based communication aid, was developed to improve communication between patients and oncologists. Methods CONNECT includes assessment of patient values, goals, and communication preferences; patient communication skills training; and a pre-consult physician summary report. CONNECT was tested in a three-arm, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Prior to the initial medical oncology consultation, adult patients with advanced cancer were randomized to (a) control; (b) CONNECT with physician summary, or (c) CONNECT without physician summary. Outcomes were assessed with post-consultation surveys. Results Of 743 patients randomized, 629 completed post-consultation surveys. Patients in the intervention arms (versus control) felt that the CONNECT program made treatment decisions easier to reach (p=0.003) and helped them to be more satisfied with these decisions (p<0.001). In addition, patients in the intervention arms reported higher levels of satisfaction with physician communication format (p=0.026) and discussion regarding support services (p=0.029) and quality of life concerns (p=0.042). The physician summary did not impact outcomes. Patients with higher levels of education and poorer physical functioning experienced greater benefit from CONNECT. Conclusion This prospective randomized clinical trial demonstrates that computer-based communication skills training can positively affect patient satisfaction with communication and decision making. Measureable patient characteristics may be used to identify subgroups most likely to benefit from an intervention such as CONNECT.

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“…However, physician-centered medicine is frequently practiced in the area of cancer treatment in Japan despite the enactment of the Cancer Control Act in 2006, the specific purpose of which was to reduce cancer patients' and their families' physical and mental agony, which was typically caused by physicians not informing them of their actual diagnosis. One published study discusses a practice in which physicians ask about the patients' needs before providing healthcare service 12 . In this study, physicians aimed to assess individual patient preferences, including whether they put more importance on quality of life or length of life, and who they wanted to make decisions on treatment, with the aim of improving satisfaction among the cancer patients with their treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, patient-clinician communication about treatment decisions is being changed from a traditional "paternalistic" model to one in which patients are persuaded to be active participants 12,13 . Evidence suggests that when patients are involved in such a way, both their satisfaction and their health outcomes improve 14,15 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%