Barriers and facilitators to effective communication experienced by patients with malignant lymphoma at all stages after diagnosis. Issue 12 (29th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van, Inge Renske; van, Evelyn M.; Gouw, Hans; Zijlstra, Josée M.; Albada, Akke; van, Sandra
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 22:Issue 12(2013)
• Page Start: 2807
• Page End: 2814
• Publication Date: 2013-07-29
• Subjects: Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.3352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pon3352-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>This study aims to gain insight into patient‐perceived communication barriers and facilitators at different stages after the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. We have detected patterns to explain when these factors influence communication predominantly.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3352-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>A qualitative approach was applied, derived from the context mapping framework. A total of 28 patients completed a set of assignments about their experiences with provider‐patient communication during medical consultations. Subsequently, these patients and nine companions shared their experiences during a semistructured (group) interview, which was recorded on audiotape. The audiotapes and assignments were analysed with MAXQDA software.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3352-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>From the patients' viewpoint, communicating effectively appears to depend on their own attributes (e.g. emotions), the health care professionals' attributes (e.g. attitude) and external factors (e.g. time pressure). Three patient communication states were identified: (i) overwhelmed, passive; (ii) pro‐active, self‐motivated; and (iii) proficient, empowered. Patients seem to behave differently in the three communication states.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3352-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>This study lists patient‐perceived communication barriers and facilitators and identifies three different communication states, which indicate when certain barriers and facilitators are encountered.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon3352-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Practical implications</title> <p>These findings may support health care professionals to tailor the provision of support and information and remove communication barriers accordingly. Additionally, they provide input for interventions to support patients in effective communication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>