Physician-patient relationship in oncologic ultrasonography. the right way to inform the patient
Leclère, J.; Ollivier, L.; Pacault, V.; Palangié, T.
Journal de Radiologie 77(6): 405-409
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0221-0363 PMID: 8763664 Document Number: 461617
Analysis of the doctor-patient relationship in oncologic sonography. Two sonographers working in two different cancer institutes, one psychiatrist and one oncologist analyzed the various aspects of the relationship with cancer patients during sonographic examinations. Sonographers are in close contact with patients and are often the first to discover any abnormalities. They do not have any special training in psychopathology and know nothing about the patient's psychological profile. They cannot hide the truth nor deliver a sentence without also proposing a therapeutic solution. Their approach must be coherent with that of the attending physician to avoid increasing the patient's anxiety. An adapted approach to the patient must be based on personal experience, ethical guidelines, listening to the patient and collaboration with other members of the medical team.