Patients with incurable cancer want clear but also empathetic conversations with their oncologist. They experience directive and vague language as harmful. This is apparent from a study by Leiden University and Nivel. The research makes clear that communication with a cancer patient can be harmful in several areas: providing information, discussing a prognosis, decision-making about a treatment and (a lack of) empathy. This is reported by Level.
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Giving information without considering the emotional impact or setting aside time to process the information can be harmful, as can using jargon and vague promises. For example, instead of saying “I’ll call you” to a patient, a doctor might say, “I’ll call you tomorrow between 4 and 5, as soon as I’ve discussed it with the team.” Then the patient immediately receives an indication of when this will happen.
Different opinions about the harmfulness of communication around forecasts
Patients differ on whether a doctor should also tell you at an early stage of the disease that choosing not to have treatment – for example with chemotherapy – is also an option: 49 percent think this is harmful, while 44 percent say it is not. finds this option harmful. There are also different views on communication about the prognosis. About half of the patients find it undesirable for a doctor to state the prognosis too explicitly. The other half thinks this is desirable, because otherwise it is unclear where they are. In these situations it is therefore advisable for doctors to first check to what extent the patient is willing to talk about this.
Showing empathy and avoiding directive language is crucial
Most patients agree that being too directive in the decision-making process can be harmful. If possible, patients would like to hear from their doctor whether there are any alternatives and what the advantages and disadvantages are. Patients are divided over who should have the final say on treatment choice. Some want to make the decision together, others want to do it themselves. Asking the doctor about the patient’s preference can help here. Ignoring emotions, not listening to the patient, premature reassurance and not seeing the patient as a person can all be harmful.
By: National Care Guide
Bron: Level, https://www.nivel.nl/nl/nieuws/patienten-met-kanker-willen-een-empathische-arts-en-geen-vage-beloftenaccessed on 2-3-2022
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