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Care not cure: dialogues at the transition
1Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, L475, Portland, OR 97201, USA. gordong@ohsu.edu
Patient Education and Counseling
|May 28, 2003
Summary
Effective physician-patient communication is crucial when cancer treatment fails. Overcoming barriers like fear and discussing death improves patient coping and quality of life, while reducing physician burnout.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Education
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Physician-patient communication challenges arise when cancer treatment is ineffective.
- Barriers include patient fears (e.g., "giving up," death) and perceived loss of medical support.
- Communication quality impacts patient distress, coping, quality of life, and physician burnout.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of physician-patient communication in oncology.
- To identify key barriers to effective communication in cancer care.
- To emphasize the need for structured communication skills training for physicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on physician-patient communication in cancer care.
- Analysis of communication barriers and their impact on outcomes.
- Review of existing communication skills training programs for physicians.
Main Results:
- Communication breakdowns are common when cancer treatment fails.
- Specific barriers identified: fear of abandonment, discussing mortality, and team dynamics.
- Improved communication positively influences patient well-being and reduces physician burnout.
Conclusions:
- Physician-patient communication is a critical, teachable skill in oncology.
- Effective communication training is essential for all medical professionals.
- Future research should optimize training delivery, dosage, and outcome measurement in healthcare settings.