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Quality of Cancer Patient-Provider Communication
J Oncol Pract; ePub 2016 Oct 31; Ma, Chawla, et al
Cancer survivors in the US experience gaps in communication quality, according to a survey of more than 1,200 cancer survivors.
Investigators looked at survey results that assessed discussions with providers after a cancer diagnosis about follow-up care; late or long-term treatment effects; lifestyle recommendations; and emotional or social needs. Among the results:
- Nearly half of the patients started treatment within the prior 5 years.
- More than one-third said they lacked detailed communication about follow-up care, and more than one-half said they lacked the same with regards to late or long-term effects, lifestyle recommendations, or emotional and social needs.
- Only one-fourth reported high-quality communication in all 4 areas.
- More patients within 1 year of treatment said they received high-quality communication.
- The same was true for those 18 to 64 years of age, people who were married, and blacks.
Citation:
Chawla N, Blanch-Hartigan D, Virgo K, et al. Quality of patient-provider communication among cancer survivors: Findings from a nationally representative sample. [Published online ahead of print October 31, 2016]. J Oncol Pract. doi:10.1200/JOP.2015.006999.