13 February 2024
Research from Leiden University identifies the needs of patients with cancer and their families. What do they perceive as harmful communication?
Earlier this year, the University of Leiden communicated about a new and interesting publication about harmful communication in cancercare.
Promovendus Janine Westendorp and colleagues conducted a literature review to identify communication perceived as harmful by cancer patients and their families. Results, published in Psycho-Oncology and presented as a poster, highlight complaints about healthcare professionals’ communication in the medical field. The review, spanning studies from 2002 to 2022 and including 47 selected studies, identifies four patient and family needs for effective communication: personalized information, personalized decision-making, feeling seen and heard, and a need for comfort and remembrance.
Recognizing the emotional impact, the study emphasizes the importance of an individualized approach, acknowledging the emotional toll of cancer on patients and their loved ones. Ensuring ongoing care and maintaining a relationship with patients and their families is crucial. Failure to meet these needs may leave them feeling abandoned, particularly when facing poor prognoses. The study suggests reassuring patients that care continuity is guaranteed, emphasizing available support beyond medical treatment.
The challenge lies in sustaining continuous support, especially with more cancer survivors, potential decreases in healthcare providers, and the growing use of digital health systems. Future research should address these challenges to ensure the best ongoing support for patients and their families. The study provides a comprehensive overview of harmful communication, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to prevent harm and meet the emotional needs of patients and their families.
You can find the scientific study here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pon.6247
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