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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-12-2019 | Care | Original Article

How communication between cancer patients and their specialists affect the quality and cost of cancer care

Authors: Neli Slavova-Azmanova, Jade C. Newton, Harry Hohnen, Claire E. Johnson, Christobel Saunders

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 12/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Communication in cancer care is multidimensional and may affect patient treatment decision-making and quality of life. This study examined cancer patients’ perceptions of the communication with their cancer specialists and explored its impact on the care they received and the financial burden they experienced.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 20 rural and 20 outer metropolitan Western Australians diagnosed with breast, lung, prostate or colorectal cancer. Thematic analysis using a phenomenological approach was undertaken to derive key themes regarding the communication experiences of the participants.

Results

Four main themes emerged: information context, communication about treatment options and treatment providers, communication about costs of treatment and impact of communication on continuity of care. The quality of the communication experienced by participants was variable and in many cases sub-optimal. This affected their ability to undertake well-informed decisions regarding treatment and providers and led to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for several participants. Whilst participants differed in their information needs and expectations, most participants trusted clinicians’ treatment recommendations.

Conclusions

Our results raise concerns about the quality of communication cancer patients receive during treatment and the repercussions for their treatment decisions and out-of-pocket expenses. Clear treatment and cost communication could empower patients in choosing treatment and providers. However, these findings suggest patients must remain vigilant during consultations and discuss available treatment pathways and their financial dimension to avoid costly treatments or missing out on available financial aid.

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Title: How communication between cancer patients and their specialists affect the quality and cost of cancer care
Authors: Neli Slavova-Azmanova
Jade C. Newton
Harry Hohnen
Claire E. Johnson
Christobel Saunders
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Care
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 12/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-04761-w

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