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- Title
Discussing Diagnosis and Prognosis with Cancer Patients.
- Authors
Nakka, Sushma S.; Miller, David; Astrow, Alan B.
- Abstract
Numerous physicians find it difficult to relay emotionally charged diagnostic and prognostic information to patients. Poor communication leads patients to misunderstand the status of their disease and goals of treatment, which can both adversely impact their decision making and reduce their quality of life. Despite advances in medical science and technology, physicians find themselves face-to- face with anxiety, sadness, and human tragedy, Delivering information to patients in an understandable way that displays concern for the patient as a person is a difficult yet required assignment demanding study and practice. Informative and empathic communication of prognostic information contributes to enhanced patient satisfaction. The high prevalence of physician burnout in oncology community is worrisome, as patients often rely heavily on their physicians for empathy and support. Communication skills training allowing oncologists to practice giving emotionally charged information and to explore their responses to human suffering and tragedy may enhance both patient and physician satisfaction. The authors of this article discuss how varied personality and coping styles and spiritual/cultural values, play a role in the patient's response to a cancer diagnosis. They describe tools and strategies that can equip physicians to incorporate their understanding of the patient as a person into clinical practice.
- Subjects
MEDICAL communication; CANCER diagnosis; CANCER prognosis; CANCER patients; PERSONALITY; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; SPIRITUALITY
- Publication
Primary Psychiatry, 2008, Vol 15, Issue 10, p47
- ISSN
1082-6319
- Publication type
Article