title: Core communication components along the cancer care process: the perspective of breast cancer patients.
abstract: This study sought to assess the impact of health care professional (HCP) communication on breast cancer patients across the acute care process as perceived by patients. Methodological approach was based on eight focus groups conducted with a sample of patients (n = 37) drawn from 15 Spanish Regions; thematic analysis was undertaken using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) framework of HCP communication as the theoretical basis. Relevant results of this study were the identification of four main communication components: (1) reassurance in coping with uncertainty after symptom detection and prompt access until confirmed diagnosis; (2) fostering involvement before delivering treatments, by anticipating information on practical and emotional illness-related issues; (3) guidance on the different therapeutic options, through use of clinical scenarios; and, (4) eliciting the feeling of emotional exhaustion after ending treatments and addressing the management of potential treatment-related effects. These communication-related components highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach in this area of cancer care.
authors: Catalonian Cancer Plan, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Spain. Electronic address: jlprades@iconcologia.net.
authors: Joan
authors: J
authors: Prades
authors: Catalonian Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Tàrsila
authors: T
authors: Ferro
authors: Catalonian Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Gil
authors: Catalonian Cancer Plan and Biomedical Research Institute of Bellvitge (IDIBELL), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Josep M
authors: JM
authors: Borras
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D057240:Patient Preference; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D013030:Spain
keywords: Access to information; Cancer; Communication; Patient education; Self-care