Source: Annual Congress 2009 - Epidemiology and management of lung cancer

Abstract

Background
In a previous study it was demonstrated that for many lung cancer patients caregivers play a very important role.
Study aim
In this study we investigated how physicians treating lung cancer patients communicate with caregivers.
Methods
Fourteen newly diagnosed lung cancer patients and their caregivers were included in this study. Volunteers and health care providers (HCP) (from 3 different hospitals in the Netherlands) have been -after consent- interviewed. The used semi-structured interviews contained questions concerning communication between patients, caregivers and HCP.
Results
Twenty seven caregivers and 13 hcp‘s (9 pulmonary physicians, 2 oncology nurses and 2 surgeons) have been interviewed.
All HCP, except one, have met relatives. Eight of them think presence of relatives is important, 4 strongly advise patients to bring someone. However, HCP often do not know the importance of caregivers for patients. During consultations, HCP mainly address themselves to patients. All try to involve caregivers but limited and the notion rules (by law) that the relationship is primarly between patients and HCP. There is little contact between patients and physicians between consultations. Contact between physicians and caregivers without patients is almost inexistent. Caregivers wish they had more contact with HCP, but do not express themselves.
Conclusions
Health care providers should approach patients and caregivers as a unit.
Suggested improvements:
Law may be limiting possible contacts independent of patients between caregivers and HCP. Electronic ways of sharing information (combined e-mails to patients and caregivers) might be of help in this situation.

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R. M. Schook, R. L. C. Hoek, van, M. Stegenga, C. Linssen, E. Lammers, C. Weenink, P. E. Postmus (Amsterdam, Baarn, Zutphen, Haarlem, Netherlands). How do health care providers, lung cancer patients and their caregivers communicate? An in depth-study. Eur Respir J 2009; 34: Suppl. 53, 4681

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