How do oncology clinicians respond to patients about cancer misinformation found online?: Presenter(s): Carma Bylund, University of Florida, United States. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mullis, Michaela; Alpert, Jordan; Markham, Merry-Jennifer; Johnson, Skyler
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 109(2023)Supplement
• Page Start: 127
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.10.291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Cancer patients and their caregivers frequently go online to seek out cancer information. Despite many credible websites about cancer treatment options, there is also an increasing prevalence of misinformation. Misinformation, compounded by low e-health literacy, can impact the ability of the clinician and patient to engage in shared decision-making effectively. To improve communication, we must understand how these conversations take place. Thus, this study aims to describe how oncology clinicians respond to patients about online cancer misinformation. Method: Participants were cancer clinicians who were directly involved in discussions related to cancer care. Recruitment emails, participant referrals, and professional network contacts were utilized for study enrollment. A total of 59 recruitment emails were sent between July and December 2020. All interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide covering three different communication topics in cancer care, with questions about cancer misinformation constituting one of three sections. All interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. We analyzed the interview transcripts using an inductive, thematic approach. All authors validated the final codes. Findings: We interviewed 21 clinicians. Analyses revealed five emergent themes that represent the Methods utilized to respond to patients about misinformation as listed: 1) Work to understand the misinformation (e.g., ask about the source of the information); 2) Correct misinformation (e.g., emphasize need for scientific base); 3) Refocus the discussion on patient's cancer (e.g., explain relevancy to the patient); 4) Counsel and advise for future online searches (e.g., guide to reputable sources); and 5) Preserve the doctor-patient relationship (e.g., don't bash or discourage patient). Discussion: The first four strategies may provide a valuable sequence for responding to cancer treatment misinformation, while the fifth strategy of preserving the relationship underlies all the other strategies. This initial description of strategies used to discuss cancer treatment misinformation provides a potential model for future work.