Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/13551
Title: Communicating with patients with advanced cancer.
Austin Authors: Chan, A;Woodruff, R K
Affiliation: Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Issue Date: 16-May-1997
Publication information: Journal of Palliative Care; 13(3): 29-33
Abstract: We conducted a prospective study of 130 unselected adults admitted to hospital with advanced malignancy. The study assessed how patients perceived information conveyed to them by physicians and the level of communication between patients and health care staff on questions relating to patients' understanding, pain control, and sense of well-being. Nearly 10% of patients were unaware of a diagnosis of cancer. Of those who knew their diagnosis, one quarter stated that the diagnosis was not disclosed in a clear or caring manner. One third of patients had an incomplete understanding of their prognosis, and patients generally overestimated their understanding when compared to hospital medical officers (HMOs) and nurses. The severity of pain was underestimated by the HMOs in 63% to 89% of patients. Thus HMOs require specific training in communication skills and the management of chronic cancer-related pain in patients with incurable cancer. Professional interpreters should be employed for all patients who are not fluent in English.
Gov't Doc #: 9354038
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/13551
Journal: Journal of palliative care
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9354038
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Empirical Approach
Professional Patient Relationship
Aged
Chi-Square Distribution
Communication
Comprehension
Employment
Female
Humans
Male
Marital Status
Medical Staff, Hospital
Neoplasms.physiopathology
Nurse-Patient Relations
Nurses
Pain.etiology
Pain Management
Patients
Physician-Patient Relations
Questionnaires
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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