Rachel B Jimenez1, Andrew E Johnson1, Nora K Horick2, Fay J Hlubocky3, Yvonne Lei4, Cindy B Matsen5, Erica L Mayer6, Deborah E Collyar7, Thomas W LeBlanc8, Karen Donelan9, Michelle M Mello10,11,12, Jeffrey M Peppercorn4. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 2. Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. 4. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 5. Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. 6. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. 7. Patient Advocates in Research, Danville, California. 8. Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina. 9. Health Policy Research Center, The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 10. Stanford Health Policy and the Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. 11. Stanford Law School, Stanford, California. 12. Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford, California.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Audio recordings of oncology clinic discussions can help patients retain and understand information about their disease and treatment decisions. Access to this tool relies on acceptance of recordings by oncologists. This is the first study to evaluate experience and attitudes of oncologists toward patients recording clinic visits. METHODS: Medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists from 5 US cancer centers and community affiliates were surveyed to evaluate clinicians' experience, beliefs, and practices regarding patient-initiated recordings. RESULTS: Among 360 oncologists (69% response rate), virtually all (93%) have experienced patients seeking to record visits. Although 75% are comfortable with recording, 25% are uncomfortable and 56% report concerns ranging from less thorough discussions to legal liability. Most (85%) always agree when patients ask to record, but 15% never or selectively allow recording. Although 51% believe recording is positive for the patient-physician relationship, a sizable minority report that it can lead to less detailed conversations (28%) or avoidance of difficult topics, including prognosis (33%). Views did not vary based on subspecialty, practice setting, or geographic region, but older age and years in practice were associated with more positive views of recording. The majority of clinicians (72%) desire institutional policies to govern guidelines about recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Most oncologists are comfortable with patient requests to record visits, but a sizable minority remain uncomfortable, and access to recording varies solely on physician preference. This difference in care delivery may benefit from institutional policies that promote access while addressing legitimate physician concerns over privacy and appropriate use of recordings.
BACKGROUND: Audio recordings of oncology clinic discussions can help patients retain and understand information about their disease and treatment decisions. Access to this tool relies on acceptance of recordings by oncologists. This is the first study to evaluate experience and attitudes of oncologists toward patients recording clinic visits. METHODS: Medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists from 5 US cancer centers and community affiliates were surveyed to evaluate clinicians' experience, beliefs, and practices regarding patient-initiated recordings. RESULTS: Among 360 oncologists (69% response rate), virtually all (93%) have experienced patients seeking to record visits. Although 75% are comfortable with recording, 25% are uncomfortable and 56% report concerns ranging from less thorough discussions to legal liability. Most (85%) always agree when patients ask to record, but 15% never or selectively allow recording. Although 51% believe recording is positive for the patient-physician relationship, a sizable minority report that it can lead to less detailed conversations (28%) or avoidance of difficult topics, including prognosis (33%). Views did not vary based on subspecialty, practice setting, or geographic region, but older age and years in practice were associated with more positive views of recording. The majority of clinicians (72%) desire institutional policies to govern guidelines about recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Most oncologists are comfortable with patient requests to record visits, but a sizable minority remain uncomfortable, and access to recording varies solely on physician preference. This difference in care delivery may benefit from institutional policies that promote access while addressing legitimate physician concerns over privacy and appropriate use of recordings.
Authors: Ki Hong Kim; Ki Jeong Hong; Sang Do Shin; Young Sun Ro; Kyoung Jun Song; Tae Han Kim; Jeong Ho Park; Joo Jeong Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-09-23 Impact factor: 3.752