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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 6/2020

01-06-2020 | Care | Original Article

The role of patient-physician relationship on health-related quality of life and pain in cancer patients

Authors: Cleo A. Samuel, Olive Mbah, Jennifer Schaal, Eugenia Eng, Kristin Z. Black, Stephanie Baker, Katrina R. Ellis, Fatima Guerrab, Lauren Jordan, Alexandra F. Lightfoot, Linda B. Robertson, Christina M. Yongue, Samuel Cykert

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 6/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and pain are important supportive cancer care outcomes. The patient-provider relationship, a modifiable care experience, has been linked to healthcare outcomes; however, less is known about associations between patient-provider relationship and supportive care outcomes in cancer patients. We examined the role of multiple aspects of the patient-provider relationship in explaining patterns of HRQOL and pain among breast and lung cancer patients.

Methods

Our analysis included 283 breast and lung cancer patients from two cancer centers. Clinical data and survey data on patient sociodemographic factors, physical and mental HRQOL, pain, and patient-physician relationship (i.e., doctor’s respectfulness, time spent with doctors, patient involvement in decision-making, satisfaction with care, and following doctor’s advice/treatment plan) were collected at baseline and during treatment. We estimated adjusted modified Poisson regression models to assess associations between patient-physician relationship factors and physical and mental HRQOL and pain.

Results

Compared with patients reporting suboptimal respect from doctors, patients reporting optimal respect were less likely to report below average physical HRQOL (adjusted risk ratio (ARR), 0.73; 95%CI, 0.62–0.86), below average mental HRQOL (ARR, 0.71; 95%CI, 0.54–0.93), and moderate-to-severe pain (ARR, 0.53; 95%CI, 0.35–0.79). Patients reporting optimal involvement in care decision-making and patients who reported following their doctor’s advice/treatment plan were less likely to report below average mental HRQOL than their respective counterparts (ARR, 0.64; 95%CI, 0.50–0.83; ARR, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.48–0.86).

Conclusion

Multiple patient-physician relationship factors account for variations in HRQOL and pain in cancer patients. These findings provide insight into potential targets for improving the patient-provider relationship and supportive cancer care outcomes.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The role of patient-physician relationship on health-related quality of life and pain in cancer patients
Authors
Cleo A. Samuel
Olive Mbah
Jennifer Schaal
Eugenia Eng
Kristin Z. Black
Stephanie Baker
Katrina R. Ellis
Fatima Guerrab
Lauren Jordan
Alexandra F. Lightfoot
Linda B. Robertson
Christina M. Yongue
Samuel Cykert
Publication date
01-06-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Care
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 6/2020
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-019-05070-y

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