Helping Cancer Patients Ask Questions
Author Information
Author(s): Brown R, Butow P N, Boyer M J, Tattersall M H N
Primary Institution: University of Sydney
Hypothesis
Can a prompt sheet and coaching improve patient question-asking during cancer consultations?
Conclusion
A question prompt sheet used by doctors effectively encourages cancer patients to ask more questions during consultations.
Supporting Evidence
- The prompt sheet significantly increased the total number of questions asked.
- Coaching did not significantly enhance the effects of the prompt sheet.
- Anxiety was assessed before and after the consultation.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving cancer patients a sheet with questions to ask can help them talk more during their doctor visits.
Methodology
Patients were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups, and their question-asking behavior was analyzed during consultations.
Limitations
Psychological outcomes were not significantly different among the groups.
Participant Demographics
Patients with heterogeneous cancers seeing medical oncologists for the first time.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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