Doctors' Views on Providing Audiotapes and Letters to Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): McConnell D, Butow P N, Tattersall M H N
Primary Institution: University of Sydney
Hypothesis
What are the practices and views of oncologists, surgeons, and general practitioners regarding the provision of consultation audiotapes and summary letters to cancer patients?
Conclusion
Most doctors are opposed to providing personalized information aids like audiotapes and letters to patients, but some are changing their views.
Supporting Evidence
- Only one-third of doctors had ever provided patients with a copy of the letter written to the oncologist or referring doctor.
- One-quarter of doctors had provided a summary letter or tape.
- More surgeons and GPs were opposed to providing consultation audiotapes than oncologists.
- Gender, years of experience, and attitude to patient involvement were predictive of doctors' attitudes.
Takeaway
Doctors mostly don't want to give cancer patients recordings or letters about their consultations, but some think it could be helpful.
Methodology
The study involved semi-structured interviews followed by a questionnaire completed by various medical professionals.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in responses due to self-reporting from doctors.
Limitations
The study may not represent all doctors' views as it was limited to those who participated.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 113 medical oncologists, 43 radiation oncologists, 55 surgeons, and 108 general practitioners.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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