Katherine Treiman1, Lauren McCormack2, Laura Wagner2, Nancy Roach3, Rebecca Moultrie2, Hannah Sanoff4, Carla Bann2, Richard L Street5, Mahima Ashok2, Bryce B Reeve6. 1. RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States (Treiman at RTI International, 6110 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850). Electronic address: ktreiman@rti.org. 2. RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States (Treiman at RTI International, 6110 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850). 3. Fight Colorectal Cancer, Alexandria, VA, United States. 4. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States. 5. Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States. 6. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed patient-centered communication (PCC) among newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients. PCC, a key part of patient-centered care, contributes directly and indirectly to health-related quality of life, satisfaction with care, and other outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a survey of patients in North Carolina, using a theoretically-based and validated measure that provides an overall PCC score and subscale scores for six PCC functions. RESULTS: A total of 501 patients participated. The highest scores were for the PCC functions of Fostering Healing Relationships, Exchanging Information, and Making Decisions. The lowest scores were for the functions of Managing Uncertainty and Enabling Self-Management, yet these were functions respondents rated as most important. Respondents who thought about more than one health professional (versus oncologist) reported better communication. PCC also varied by treatment type, mental and physical health status, age, race, and education. CONCLUSION: Most patients reported good communication overall, however patients in poor physical health and mental health reported worse communication. The quality of communication varied across the PCC functions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals need to use a PCC approach that builds trust, respects the patient, provides salient information that patients can understand, provides emotional support, and facilitates the patient's engagement in care.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed patient-centered communication (PCC) among newly diagnosed colorectal cancerpatients. PCC, a key part of patient-centered care, contributes directly and indirectly to health-related quality of life, satisfaction with care, and other outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a survey of patients in North Carolina, using a theoretically-based and validated measure that provides an overall PCC score and subscale scores for six PCC functions. RESULTS: A total of 501 patients participated. The highest scores were for the PCC functions of Fostering Healing Relationships, Exchanging Information, and Making Decisions. The lowest scores were for the functions of Managing Uncertainty and Enabling Self-Management, yet these were functions respondents rated as most important. Respondents who thought about more than one health professional (versus oncologist) reported better communication. PCC also varied by treatment type, mental and physical health status, age, race, and education. CONCLUSION: Most patients reported good communication overall, however patients in poor physical health and mental health reported worse communication. The quality of communication varied across the PCC functions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals need to use a PCC approach that builds trust, respects the patient, provides salient information that patients can understand, provides emotional support, and facilitates the patient's engagement in care.
Authors: Richard L Street; Katherine Treiman; Elissa C Kranzler; Rebecca Moultrie; Laura Arena; Nicole Mack; Reese Garcia Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-02-09 Impact factor: 3.359