Helping Cancer Patients Ask Questions
Author Information
Author(s): Brown R F, Butow P N, Dunn S M, Tattersall M H N
Primary Institution: Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Cancer Medicine, University of Sydney
Hypothesis
Can providing a question prompt sheet improve patient participation and outcomes in cancer consultations?
Conclusion
Using a question prompt sheet in cancer consultations can enhance patient engagement and improve information recall.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with a question prompt sheet asked more questions about prognosis.
- Oncologists provided significantly more prognostic information to patients with the prompt sheet.
- Consultations were longer for patients with the prompt sheet.
- Anxiety levels were reduced when oncologists addressed the prompt sheet.
Takeaway
Giving cancer patients a list of questions to ask their doctors helps them get more information and feel better about their care.
Methodology
Patients were randomized to receive a question prompt sheet, and oncologists were randomized to address or not address the sheet during consultations.
Participant Demographics
Patients with heterogeneous cancers seeing oncologists for the first time.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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