Beyond Good Intentions and Patient Perceptions: Competing Definitions of Effective Communication in Head and Neck Cancer Care at the End of Life
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2013
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2012.666957
Abstract
Effective communication between dying cancer patients and their health care providers about prognosis and treatment options ensures informed decision making at the end of life. This study analyzed data from interviews with end-stage head and neck cancer patients and their health care providers about communication competence and approaches to communicating about end-of-life issues. Patients rated their oncologists as competent and comfortable discussing end-of-life issues, although few reported discussing specific aspects of end-of-life care. Oncologists viewed giving prognostic information as a process rather than a singular event, and preferred answering patients’ questions as opposed to guiding the discussion. These data reveal subtle disconnects in communication suggesting that patients’ and health care providers’ information needs are not being met.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Health Communication, v. 28, issue 2, p. 183-192
Scholar Commons Citation
Roscoe, Lori A.; Tullis, Jillian A.; Reich, Richard R.; and McCaffrey, Judith C., "Beyond Good Intentions and Patient Perceptions: Competing Definitions of Effective Communication in Head and Neck Cancer Care at the End of Life" (2013). Communication Faculty Publications. 356.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/spe_facpub/356
