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01-11-2008 | Gastrointestinal Oncology

Patient Preferences for the Disclosure of Prognosis After Esophagectomy for Cancer with Curative Intent

Authors: Sjoerd M. Lagarde, PhD, MD, Sanne J. Franssen, MSc, Jochem R. van Werven, MSc, MD, Ellen M. A. Smets, PhD, T. C. Khe Tran, MSc, MD, Hugo W. Tilanus, PhD, MD, John Th. M. Plukker, PhD, MD, Johanna C. J. M. de Haes, PhD, J. Jan B. van Lanschot, PhD, MD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 11/2008

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the preferences for content, style, and format of prognostic information of patients after potentially curative esophagectomy for cancer and to explore predictors of these preferences.

Patients and Methods

This multicenter study included a consecutive series of patients who underwent surgical resection for cancer in the past 2 years and who did not have evidence of cancer recurrence. A questionnaire was used to elicit patient preferences for the content, style, and format of prognostic information. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinicopathological factors, and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-30 and OES18) were explored as predictors for certain preferences.

Results

Of the 204 eligible patients, 176 patients (86%) returned the questionnaire. The majority of patients desired prognostic information. Information preferences declined when information became more specific and more negative. Married patients and higher-educated patients were more likely to want all prognostic information. The majority of patients wanted their specialist to start the discussion about prognosis. However, a significant proportion of these patients wanted their specialist to first ask if they want to have prognostic information. The percentage of patients wanted a realistic and individualistic approach was 97%. Words and numbers were preferred over visual presentations.

Conclusion

After potentially curative esophagectomy for cancer, the majority of patients want detailed prognostic information and want their specialist to begin the prognostic discussion. Patients prefer their doctor to be realistic; words and numbers are preferred over figures and graphs.

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Title: Patient Preferences for the Disclosure of Prognosis After Esophagectomy for Cancer with Curative Intent
Authors: Sjoerd M. Lagarde, PhD, MD
Sanne J. Franssen, MSc
Jochem R. van Werven, MSc, MD
Ellen M. A. Smets, PhD
T. C. Khe Tran, MSc, MD
Hugo W. Tilanus, PhD, MD
John Th. M. Plukker, PhD, MD
Johanna C. J. M. de Haes, PhD
J. Jan B. van Lanschot, PhD, MD
Publication date: 01-11-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 11/2008
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-008-0068-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Patient Preferences for the Disclosure of Prognosis After Esophagectomy for Cancer with Curative Intent

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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