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van den Berg K, Knegt A, Fons G, Lok CAR, Aarts JWM. Patients' preferences, experiences and expectations with wait time until surgery in gynaecological oncology: a mixed-methods study in two gynaecological oncological centres in the Netherlands. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085932. [PMID: 39153775 PMCID: PMC11331850 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient-centredness of care during wait time before surgery can be improved. In this study we aimed to assess (1) patients' experiences with and preferences regarding wait time before surgery; (2) the impact of wait time on quality of life (QoL) and (3) which factors influence patients' wait time experience. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS We performed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study among women with gynaecological cancer in two tertiary hospitals. We conducted semistructured interviews and identified aspects of QoL and factors that influenced wait time acceptability through thematic analysis. We developed a questionnaire from this thematic analysis which was completed by 97 women. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Average ideal wait time was 3.5 weeks (±1.7 weeks), minimum and maximum acceptable wait times were 2.2 and 5.6 weeks. Many patients scored above the threshold of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety (48%) or depression (34%), had sleeping problems (56%) or experienced pain (54%). A number of factors were more common in patients who indicated that their wait time had been too long: low education level (OR 7.4, 95% CI 0.5 to 5.0, p=0.007), time to surgery >4 weeks (OR 7.0, 95% CI 0.8 to 4.4, p=0.002) and experienced sleep disturbance (OR 3.27, 95% CI 0.0 to 3.1, p=0.05). If patients expectation of wait time was >4 weeks (OR 0.20, 95% CI -4.0 to -0.5 p=0008) or if patients experienced pain (OR 0.26, 95% CI -3.6 to -0.3, p=0.03), they less frequently indicated that wait time had been too long. CONCLUSION To improve patient-centredness of care, healthcare providers should aim to reduce wait time to 3-4 weeks and ensure that patients are well informed about the length of wait time and are aware of high levels of anxiety, depression and pain during this time. Future studies should evaluate what interventions can improve QoL during wait time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van den Berg
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Flevoziekenhuis, Almere, Netherlands
| | - Anne Knegt
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Fons
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Gynaecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christianne A R Lok
- Centre for Gynaecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Gynaecologic Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johanna W M Aarts
- Amsterdam UMC Locatie De Boelelaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Gynaecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Morris M, Cook A, Dodkins J, Price D, Waller S, Hassan S, Nathan A, Aggarwal A, Payne HA, Clarke N, van der Meulen J, Nossiter J. What can patient-reported experience measures tell us about the variation in patients' experience of prostate cancer care? A cross-sectional study using survey data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit in England. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078284. [PMID: 38418235 PMCID: PMC10910410 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A national survey aimed to measure how men with prostate cancer perceived their involvement in and decisions around their care immediately after diagnosis. This study aimed to describe any differences found by socio-demographic groups. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of men who were diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer. SETTING The National Prostate Cancer Audit patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey in England. PARTICIPANTS Men diagnosed in 2014-2016, with non-metastatic prostate cancer, were surveyed. Responses from 32 796 men were individually linked to records from a national clinical audit and to administrative hospital data. Age, ethnicity, deprivation and disease risk classification were used to explore variation in responses to selected questions. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Responses to five questions from the PREMs survey: the proportion responding to the highest positive category was compared across the socio-demographic characteristics above. RESULTS When adjusted for other factors, older men were less likely than men under the age of 60 to feel side effects had been explained in a way they could understand (men 80+: relative risk (RR)=0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.00), that their views were considered (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87) or that they were involved in decisions (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00). The latter was also apparent for men who were not white (black men: RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98; Asian men: RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96) and, to a lesser extent, for more deprived men. CONCLUSIONS The observed discrepancies highlight the need for more focus on initiatives to improve the experience of ethnic minority patients and those older than 60 years. The findings also argue for further validation of discriminatory instruments to help cancer care providers fully understand the variation in the experience of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Morris
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
- Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Adrian Cook
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Dodkins
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
| | - Derek Price
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Steve Waller
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
| | - Syreen Hassan
- Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Arjun Nathan
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
| | - Ajay Aggarwal
- Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Heather Ann Payne
- Consultant Clinical Oncologist, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Noel Clarke
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan van der Meulen
- Health Services Research & Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | - Julie Nossiter
- Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, London, UK
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van Vliet LM, Meijers MC, van Dulmen S, van der Wall E, Plum N, Stouthard J, Francke AL. Addressing challenges in information-provision: a qualitative study among oncologists and women with advanced breast cancer. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:142. [PMID: 34521393 PMCID: PMC8442372 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00836-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for more insight into how to address challenges of information-provision for women with advanced breast cancer. We aimed to explore oncologists' and patients' views on (i) the challenges of information-provision, and (ii) possible strategies to address these challenges, meanwhile (iii) exploring the possible facilitating role of positive expectations and empathy. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were held with oncologists (n = 10) and women with advanced breast cancer (n = 14). Principles of Thematic Analysis were followed, with two researchers analyzing transcribed data, supported by Atlas.ti software. RESULTS Taken together the data from oncologists and patients, we found that when communicating with patients with advanced cancer, oncologists face challenges, including handling patients' unrealistic disease (status) beliefs, and choosing approaches for discussing available treatment options and their side effects. Possible strategies to address these challenges include balancing information with acceptance of denial, and using medical expertise to guide treatment discussions. A sensitive issue is whether to discuss the option of no anti-cancer treatment. Meanwhile, approaches and preferences for discussions of side effects vary. Positive expectations and empathy can facilitate information-provision by creating space and helping patients to open up more. CONCLUSIONS Integrating oncologists' and patients' views, oncologists can provide realistic information while also, temporarily, accepting denial, and can use their medical expertise to address challenges around unrealistic beliefs and discussion of treatment options. Finding ways to tailor discussions of no anti-cancer treatment and side-effect information are needed. Positive expectations and empathy might facilitate - tailored - information-provision, leading ultimately to patient-centered care lying at the heart of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth M van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Maartje C Meijers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Elsken van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Plum
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Anneke L Francke
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Westendorp J, Stouthard J, Meijers MC, Neyrinck BAM, de Jong P, van Dulmen S, van Vliet LM. The power of clinician-expressed empathy to increase information recall in advanced breast cancer care: an observational study in clinical care, exploring the mediating role of anxiety. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1109-1115. [PMID: 33168460 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental studies have found that clinician-expressed empathy improves patients' information recall in (advanced) cancer consultations. It remains unclear, however, whether these results are generalizable to clinical care and, if so, what the underlying mechanism is. We aimed to i) determine the relationship between clinician-expressed empathy and patients' information recall in clinical advanced breast cancer consultations; and ii) test whether the relationship between clinician-expressed empathy and recall is mediated by a decrease in patients' anxiety. METHODS Forty-one consultations between oncologists and female patients with advanced breast cancer were audio recorded. Patients' post-consultation information recall and pre- and post-consultation anxiety (0-100) were assessed. Recall was scored according to a self-created questionnaire. Clinician-expressed empathy (0-100) was assessed by observers. Structural Equation Modelling was used for all analyses. RESULTS Participants remembered 61% of the information discussed. Clinician-expressed empathy significantly increased patients' total information recall (p = .041) and recall of treatment aims/positive effects (p = .028). The mediating role of anxiety could not be established. CONCLUSION Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear, clinicians have a powerful tool to improve seriously ill breast cancer patients' recall of information: empathy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These insights should encourage clinicians to express empathy; practical communication training might prove helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Westendorp
- NIVEL (Netherlands institute for health services research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Maartje C Meijers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bart A M Neyrinck
- Clinical Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht the Netherlands
| | | | - Sandra van Dulmen
- NIVEL (Netherlands institute for health services research), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Liesbeth M van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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van Vliet LM, Francke AL, Meijers MC, Westendorp J, Hoffstädt H, Evers AWM, van der Wall E, de Jong P, Peerdeman KJ, Stouthard J, van Dulmen S. The Use of Expectancy and Empathy When Communicating With Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer; an Observational Study of Clinician-Patient Consultations. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:464. [PMID: 31379614 PMCID: PMC6652106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Information provision about prognosis, treatments, and side-effects is important in advanced cancer, yet also associated with impaired patient well-being. To counter potential detrimental effects, communication strategies based on placebo and nocebo effect mechanisms might be promising to apply in daily practice. This study aimed to provide more insight into how often and how oncologists use expectancy and empathy expressions in consultations with patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Forty-five consultations between oncologists and patients were audiotaped. To determine how often expectancy and empathy expressions were used, a coding scheme was created. Most consultations (n = 33) were coded and discussed by two coders, and the remaining 13 were coded by one coder. To determine how expectancy and empathy expressions were used, principles of inductive content analysis were followed. Results: Discussed evaluation (i.e., scan) results were good (n = 26,58%) or uncertain (n = 12,27%) and less often bad (n = 7,15%). Uncertain expectations about prognosis, treatment outcomes, and side effects occurred in 13, 38, and 27 consultations (29%, 85%, and 56%), followed by negative expectations in 8, 26, and 28 consultations (18%, 58%, and 62%) and positive expectations in 6, 34, and 17 consultations (13%, 76%, and 38%). When oncologists provided expectancy expressions, they tapped into three different dimensions: relational, personal, and explicit. Positive expectations emphasized the doctor-patient relationship, while negative expectations focused on the severity of the illness, and uncertainty was characterized by a balance between (potential) negative outcomes and hope. Observed generic or specific empathy expressions were regularly provided, most frequently understanding (n = 29,64% of consultations), respecting (n = 17,38%), supporting (n = 16,36%), and exploring (n = 16,36%). A lack of empathy occurred less often and contained, among others, not responding to patients' emotional concerns (n = 13,27% of consultations), interrupting (n = 7,16%), and an absence of understanding (n = 4,9%). Conclusion: In consultations with mainly positive or uncertain medical outcomes, oncologists predominantly made use of uncertain expectations (hope for the best, prepare for the worst) and used several empathic behaviors. Replication studies, e.g., in these and other medical situations, are needed. Follow-up studies should test the effect of specific communication strategies on patient outcomes, to counter potential negative effects of information provision. Studies should focus on uncertain situations. Ultimately, specific placebo and nocebo effect-inspired communication strategies can be harnessed in clinical care to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Mirjam van Vliet
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anneke L Francke
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maartje C Meijers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Janine Westendorp
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hinke Hoffstädt
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W M Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Elsken van der Wall
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paul de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kaya J Peerdeman
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Stouthard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Department of Communication, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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