Most cancer patients leave the office ?? s oncologist to achieve their mind is reeling with unanswered questions.
That they forgot to ask, didn ?? t know how to ask, hesitate to ask or assume that the doctor would be put in place, virtually everyone with cancer experiencing communication struggles during cancer treatment.
Studies have long shown that communication between doctors and patients is suboptimal. In the field of oncology, doctors and nurses fail regularly to address diversity concerns of cancer patients. Research also shows oncologists have difficulty accurately detect patient distress.
Therefore, subpar communication may affect the ability ?? s doctors to offer the management of pain and symptoms. Poor communication between doctors and patients can result in patients losing trust in their doctors.
progress in the past decade, the medical industry has made in training health professionals in communication. But in the past few physicians were given advice on how to speak and communicate with their patients.
Communication is essential to the quality of care
physicians receive little, if any, education on communication, while earning their degree. Often they passively learn how to communicate with other physicians and health professionals in their field.
Consequently, physicians often have difficulty with communication skills, which leads to misunderstandings and sometimes uninformed patients.
doctors who possess good communication skills naturally build trust with patients and families felt guided and supported. These physicians tend to form better relationships with their patients. Ultimately, this connection results in a better experience of care for people with cancer.
Tips to improve communication
Although patients can ?? t control how their doctor communicates, they can improve their own communication skills. Consider implementing some of the following tips:
- Bring a list of questions to every doctor appointment. Keep this list in your hand if you do ?? to forget you.
- Write down the answers to your ?? s doctor in detail to avoid oblivion.
- If you have a lot of questions, ask for an appointment with the doctor more in advance.
- Bring someone to appointments with you. They can take notes for you and help to think of questions to ask.
- If allowed, record audio of your visit. This n ?? t allowed everywhere, so be sure to ask first.
- Try to design concise questions. A short clear question is easier for your doctor to understand and respond quickly.
- If you feel stopped by your doctor, ask if ?? s another health professional who is qualified to answer your questions.
- Consider holding a health care journal. He ?? ll help you track all your health information in one place, and will help identify issues to be discussed with your doctor.
Questions and Answers 2015 Online Support Group January
patients and caregivers have asked a number of questions during the latest online support group. Here, we include answers to some of them
Q :. I ?? ve lost confidence in my oncologist, but I like my surgeon. Can I switch to another oncologist
? A: It depends on the cancer center where you receive care. Often, only one oncologist who specializes in mesothelioma is available in each cancer center. Sometimes more than one oncologist is available to supervise your care, but it n ?? t always the case because mesothelioma cancer is rare and few doctors specialize in it. Reach out to someone appropriate to the Cancer Center to discuss your options.
