Communication with cancer patients
Klyve, P.; Okstad, S.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 102(23): 1142-1144
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 7167883 Document Number: 188239
Patients (133) with different malignant disorders were interviewed in the outpatient department about their previous stay in the hospital, their contact with the hospital staff and information given about the disease. The staff were questioned about communication and information between staff members and vis-a-vis the patients. Most patients were well contented with the information they had received, although 1/4 wanted more information. Of the patients, 1/2 had reservations about asking the staff about their disease. They expected the doctor to take the initiative. Among the staff there was a tendency to postpone information when they felt that the patient did not want to know the nature of the disease. Some problems related to the communication between patients and staff are discussed.