| Abstract | The elements of trust and communication in the patient-provider relationship have an influential role on the patient's perceived satisfaction, healing, and overall experience. The current study aimed to identify, from the patients' perspective, tactics physicians can use to increase patient well-being in the delivery of distressing news, especially among oncology patients. It was hypothesized that (a) people, regardless of demographic characteristics, would want more time with their physicians when being diagnosed with cancer; (b) an increase information received would be desired from younger, more educated patients (as compared to older & less educated persons); and (c) empathetic statements would be preferred by all types of patients over encouraging statements from their physicians. Participants consisted of 50 oncology patients who were administered a questionnaire and oral interview. The results found that 86.1% of participants wanted 15-30 min for the initial discussion of distressing news, and 79% of patients indicated a desire for moderate involvement in their treatment process. Education had no correlation; however, there was a negative relationship between age and involvement, with older adults expressing a reduced desire for health information. Encouraging statements were preferred by all types of patients and overall, with higher education, less words were used by patients to describe their illnesses. The results of this study are useful for physicians to better disclose a cancer diagnosis to their patients and help to improve well-being. |
