title: Medication risk communication with cancer patients in a Middle East cancer care setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cancer treatments are frequently associated with adverse effects, but there may be a cultural reluctance by care providers to be forthcoming with patients regarding these risks for fear of promoting nonadherence. Conversely, research in a number of countries indicates high levels of patient desire for this information. We sought to explore cancer patient experiences, satisfaction, and preferences for medication risk communication in a Middle East care setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed and administered a ten-item questionnaire (Arabic and English) to a convenience sample of consenting adult patients receiving treatment at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research in Qatar.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and forty-three patients were interviewed. Most (88%) stated that the level of side effect information they received was sufficient, with physicians (86%) followed by pharmacists (39%) as the preferred sources. The majority (97%) agreed that knowing about possible side effects would help them recognize and manage the reaction, and 92% agreed that it would help them understand how to minimize or prevent the risks. Eighteen percent indicated that this information would make them not want to take treatment. Two-thirds (65%) had previously experienced intolerance to their cancer treatment regimen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most patients surveyed expressed preference for the details of possible side effects they may encounter in their treatment. However, one in five considered such information a factor for nonadherence, indicating the need for patient-specific approaches when communicating medication risks.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilbur
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Maha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Okka
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Ebaa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jumaat
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Nesma
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eissa
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Merwa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elbashir
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Department, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar.
authors.forename: Sumaya M Al Saadi
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Al-Yafei
keywords: Middle East; cancer treatment; risk communication