Improving Cancer Communication: Coping-Related Communication Needs and Preferences Among Spanish-Speaking Patients...

When dealing with a cancer diagnosis, patients and informal caregivers often face situations that challenge their communication skills and may prompt them to seek counseling or other supportive resources. However, studies and interventions addressing effective communication needs within the Spanish-speaking community are scarce. This study aims to document the communication needs and preferences of cancer patients and caregivers about the format and delivery of a culturally tailored community-based intervention.

Using a community-engaged research framework, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 92 cancer patients and caregivers in Puerto Rico. Participants selected communication needs for which they desired additional support, and patient and caregiver responses were compared using Fisher's exact tests with correction for multiple comparisons.

Ninety-two participants (52 patients and 40 caregivers) completed the survey. The highest rated communication topics included 'Develop problem-solving skills' (76.9%), 'Learn ways to show that we are together in this process' (76.7%), 'Plans for the future' (76.1%), and 'Planning treatments and goals' (75.0%). Patients and caregivers reported largely similar communication needs, with no topic differing significantly between groups, although caregivers tended to express somewhat greater interest in end-of-life discussions. Both groups preferred group therapy as the intervention format, with caregivers significantly more likely than patients to endorse family-inclusive therapy; delivery preferences did not differ significantly between groups.

The results emphasize the need for culturally tailored, community-based communication interventions aimed at Spanish-speaking cancer patients and their caregivers in Puerto Rico. Participants highlighted the importance of communication skills that promote conflict resolution and companionship. A flexible intervention with a shared group-based core and an optional family component could address the largely common needs of these populations while accommodating caregivers' greater interest in family-inclusive formats.