Chemotherapy patient perception regarding communication with the healthcare staff

  • Fernanda Bittencourt Romeiro Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
  • Ana Carolina Peuker Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
  • Daniela Bianchini Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
  • Elisa Kern de Castro Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2016.v13.n1.52493
Keywords: Oncology, communication, health provider-patient relationship.

Abstract

Purpose: To qualitatively explore the communication between healthcare professionals and oncology patients based on the perception of patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Method: Qualitative and exploratory design. Participants were 14 adult patients undergoing chemotherapy at different stages of the disease. A socio-demographic and clinical data form was utilized along with semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and content analysis was performed. Two independent judges evaluated the interview content in regards to emerging categories and obtained a Kappa index of 0.834.

Results: Three categories emerged from the data: 1) Technical communication without emotional support, in which the information provided is composed of strictly technical information regarding the diagnosis, treatment and/or prognosis; 2) Technical communication, in which the information provided is oriented towards the technical aspects of the patient’s physical condition, while also providing psychological support for the patients’ subjective needs; and 3) Insufficient technical communication, win which there are gaps in the information provided causing confusion and suffering to the patient.

Conclusions: Communication with emotional support contributes to greater satisfaction of chemotherapy patients. Practical implications: the results provide elements for the training of healthcare professionals regarding the importance of the emotional support that can be offered to cancer patients during their treatment.

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Published
2016-06-13
How to Cite
Bittencourt Romeiro F., Peuker A. C., Bianchini D. y Kern de Castro E. (2016). Chemotherapy patient perception regarding communication with the healthcare staff. Psicooncología, 13(1), 139-150. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2016.v13.n1.52493
Issue
Vol. 13 No. 1 (2016)
Section
Articles

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