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25-09-2024 | Breast Cancer | Breast Oncology

Role of the Surgeon in De-Escalating Emotion During a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences in Alliance A231701CD

Authors: Megan C. Saucke, MA, Nora Jacobson, PhD, Grace McKinney, MPH, Heather B. Neuman, MD, MS

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology

Abstract

Background

Patient engagement in decision making can improve satisfaction with care. Studies demonstrate that patients’ emotional states can be significant barriers to engaging in shared decision making.

Objective

We sought to examine how emotion associated with a breast cancer diagnosis impacts patient experiences during the surgical consultation, and explore opportunities for surgeons to mitigate the impact of emotion.

Methods

We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with patients who participated in the decision aid arm of Alliance A231701CD, had low engagement, and experienced barriers to engagement. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze the interview data and organize it into overarching themes.

Results

Participants recalled strong emotions with their diagnosis, describing it as devastating and shocking. Although several participants said that their emotional reaction to the diagnosis lessened over time, others expressed still feeling very anxious. Participants described ways in which their surgeon helped to de-escalate their emotional state, beginning with the establishment of rapport and continuing through treatment planning. Participants valued surgeons who they perceived to be personable and compassionate, treated them as an individual, provided reassuring and matter-of-fact information about their cancer, and efficiently communicated plans for next steps.

Conclusions

Patients with breast cancer are often emotionally overwhelmed during their surgical consults, which impedes their ability to listen and participate in decision making. However, surgeon behaviors can help de-escalate emotions. Addressing emotion is critical to support patients in reaching a decision for breast cancer surgery and is likely to improve patient satisfaction with the decision process.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03766009

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Role of the Surgeon in De-Escalating Emotion During a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences in Alliance A231701CD
Authors: Megan C. Saucke, MA
Nora Jacobson, PhD
Grace McKinney, MPH
Heather B. Neuman, MD, MS
Publication date: 25-09-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-024-16156-1

Mastering chronic pancreatitis pain: A multidisciplinary approach and practical solutions

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Severe pain is the most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis. In this webinar, experts share the latest insights in pain management for chronic pancreatitis patients. Experts from a range of disciplines discuss pertinent cases and provide practical suggestions for use within clinical practice.

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

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Role of the Surgeon in De-Escalating Emotion During a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Experiences in Alliance A231701CD

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Trials Registration

Mastering chronic pancreatitis pain: A multidisciplinary approach and practical solutions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Trials Registration

Please log in to get access to this content

Mastering chronic pancreatitis pain: A multidisciplinary approach and practical solutions