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Published on: October 23, 2020
Discussing prognosis: balancing hope and realism
Toby C Campbell1, Elise C Carey, Vicki A Jackson
1University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA. tcc@medicine.wisc.edu
Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Oncologists can improve patient hope and trust by mastering sensitive prognosis discussions. This review offers practical communication strategies for discussing life expectancy and managing emotional reactions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Communication
- Psycho-oncology
Background:
- Discussing life expectancy is a challenging but crucial aspect of cancer care.
- Physician communication skills significantly impact patient hope and the physician-patient relationship.
- Lack of communication training can hinder oncologists' ability to handle prognosis discussions effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide oncologists with a practical framework for discussing prognosis.
- To equip clinicians with tools for managing patient emotions during sensitive conversations.
- To offer strategies for preserving hope and supporting physicians during prognosis discussions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on communication in oncology.
- Development of a 4-issue framework for prognosis discussions.
- Integration of patient emotional management and physician self-care strategies.
Main Results:
- Effective prognosis communication can enhance patient hope and trust.
- Structured communication approaches improve the handling of sensitive information.
- Addressing physician emotional responses is vital for sustained empathetic care.
Conclusions:
- Mastering prognosis discussions is essential for holistic cancer patient care.
- A practical, empathetic approach benefits both patients and physicians.
- Further training in communication is recommended for oncologists to improve patient outcomes.
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