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Supportive Care in Cancer

Published in:

01-10-2017 | Original Article

Barriers to information provision regarding breast cancer and its treatment

Authors: Heather J. Campbell-Enns, Roberta L. Woodgate, Harvey M. Chochinov

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Women with breast cancer require information about their cancer and its treatment during the process of treatment decision-making, yet it is unclear if there are barriers to information support. This study explores the experience of making treatment decisions in breast cancer, paying particular attention to the barriers experienced to the provision of information.

Methods

Using a grounded theory methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 women with invasive breast cancer exploring the experience of treatment decision-making. Data was organized using ATLAS.ti software and analyzed using constant comparisons.

Results

Analysis of the data showed that barriers to cancer and treatment information include intrapersonal and interpersonal communication challenges (emotional distress, patient-provider communication, “making it personal,” access to information) which reside at different levels of the breast cancer experience (individual, dyad, group, organization). A model is provided to depict this experience.

Conclusions

Women want information about their cancer and its treatment and experience barriers to information provision at various levels. Satisfactory information provision cannot occur without addressing barriers at every level. Utilizing interprofessional models of care may minimize existing barriers to information provision and empower patients to make satisfying treatment decisions that are consistent with their individual wishes.

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Title: Barriers to information provision regarding breast cancer and its treatment
Authors: Heather J. Campbell-Enns
Roberta L. Woodgate
Harvey M. Chochinov
Publication date: 01-10-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3730-8

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