Kim J, Fairman NP, Dove MS, Hoch JS, Keegan TH. Cancer survivors with sub-optimal patient-centered communication before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023;
115:107876. [PMID:
37406471 PMCID:
PMC10299944 DOI:
10.1016/j.pec.2023.107876]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Patient-Centered Communication (PCC) is an essential element of patient-centered cancer care. Thus, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with optimal PCC among cancer survivors during COVID-19, which has been less studied.
METHODS
We used national survey (Health Information National Trends Survey) among cancer survivors (n = 2579) to calculate the prevalence (%) of optimal PCC in all 6 PCC domains and overall (mean) by time (before COVID-19, 2017-19 vs. COVID-19, 2020). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations of sociodemographic (age, birth gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, usual source of care), and health status (general health, depression/anxiety symptoms, time since diagnosis, cancer type) factors with optimal PCC.
RESULTS
The prevalence of optimal PCC decreased during COVID-19 overall, with the greatest decrease in managing uncertainty (7.3%). Those with no usual source of care (odd ratios, ORs =1.53-2.29), poor general health (ORs=1.40-1.66), depression/anxiety symptoms (ORs=1.73-2.17) were less likely to have optimal PCC in most domains and overall PCC.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed that the decreased prevalence of optimal PCC, and identified those with suboptimal PCC during COVID-19.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
More efforts to raise awareness and improve PCC are suggested, including education and guidelines, given the decreased prevalence during this public health emergency.
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