Preferencias de comunicación y apoyo de pacientes oncológicos españoles. adaptación del “measure of patient’s preferences”

Abstract

The main objetives of our study were: 1) To adapt a self-reported questionnaire aimed to know preferences for communication in oncology patients (“Measure of Patients´ Preferences”, MPP, Parker et al., 2001) and 2) To describe the relationship between preferences for communication and socio-demographic, clinical and quality of life variables. One hundred and eighty oncology patients from different comprehensive cancer Centers in Catalonia (Spain), older than 18 years old were assessed. Spanish adaptation of the original version of MPP was used. Socio-demographic variables (age, sex, educative level, professional status, marital status) and medical variables (type of tumor, time since diagnosis, illness status, type of treatment) were studied. EORTC quality of life questionnaire and HADS were used. Internal consistency using Cronbach´ a of MPP questionnaire was used. MPP item´s means and scales (content, support and facilitation) were calculated and compared with original study (US). A multiple regression for all of the MPP´s scales was done, including socio-demographic, clinical and quality of life variables as predictors. MPP Spanish adaptation shows good psychometric proprieties. Patients assessed stress on the importance of medical information issues, although emotional support and context where medical interaction occurs are highly valuated. Women and younger patients were prone to ask for more detailed information. Younger women and first time diagnosed patients asked for more emotional support from staff. Single women give more importance to context variables where medical interaction occurs. Sex, age, marital status and previous experience with diagnosis are important variables related with preferences for communication among Spanish oncology patients.