Listening in on difficult conversations: An observational, multi-center investigation of real-time conversations in medical oncology

Brittany C. Kimball, Katherine M. James, Kathleen J. Yost, Cara A. Fernandez, Ashok Kumbamu, Aaron L. Leppin, Marguerite E. Robinson, Gail Geller, Debra L. Roter, Susan M. Larson, Heinz Josef Lenz, Agustin A. Garcia, Clarence H. Braddock, Aminah Jatoi, María Luisa Zúñiga De Nuncio, Victor M. Montori, Barbara A. Koenig, Jon C. Tilburt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The quality of communication in medical care has been shown to influence health outcomes. Cancer patients, a highly diverse population, communicate with their clinical care team in diverse ways over the course of their care trajectory. Whether that communication happens and how effective it is may relate to a variety of factors including the type of cancer and the patient's position on the cancer care continuum. Yet, many of the routine needs of cancer patients after initial cancer treatment are often not addressed adequately. Our goal is to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement in cancer communication by investigating real-time cancer consultations in a cross section of patient-clinician interactions at diverse study sites.Methods/design: In this paper we describe the rationale and approach for an ongoing observational study involving three institutions that will utilize quantitative and qualitative methods and employ a short-term longitudinal, prospective follow-up component to investigate decision-making, key topics, and clinician-patient-companion communication dynamics in clinical oncology.Discussion: Through a comprehensive, real-time approach, we hope to provide the fundamental groundwork from which to promote improved patient-centered communication in cancer care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number455
JournalBMC cancer
Volume13
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 4 2013

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Oncology
  • Physician-patient communication

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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