Breast cancer patient experiences with and preferences for time alone with their cancer care team

Clinicians often suggest that breast cancer patients bring a companion with them to cancer-related appointments. However, a companion's presence shifts the interaction at a minimum from dyadic to triadic, with potential consequences for effective communication. It is not well documented how often breast cancer patients have time alone with their cancer team, how long any time alone lasts, and if patients are satisfied with the amount of time alone.

Current (undergoing treatment; n = 150) and former patients (treatment completed; n = 202) breast cancer patients who regularly bring a companion with them to their cancer care visits completed an online questionnaire about the time they spend alone with their oncology team.

Current patients reported fewer instances of time alone with their care team than former patients. Overall, most patients reported that the frequency of time alone was about right and that they rarely brought up questions or topics that they would not want to raise with their companion present. Of the patients who reported having no time alone (n = 38), the primary reported reason was that they did not want time alone with their cancer care team.

Approximately 1 in 3-4 patients reported that there were questions or topics that they feel more comfortable raising when they have time alone with their healthcare team, representing an important need for these patients. Most patients reported wanting time alone with their cancer care team and reported being satisfied with the amount they do have.

Results are a positive reflection on the amount and frequency of time alone that breast cancer patients desire throughout the cancer care trajectory. To support patient communication needs, clinicians should provide at least some time alone with their patients, particularly when the patient regularly attends visits with a companion and may otherwise not have the opportunity to be alone with their cancer care team.