Bone Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Bad News at Sarawak Hospital
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Perceptions of Receiving Bad News about Cancer among Bone Cancer Patients in Sarawak General Hospital - A Descriptive Study
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Whye Lian Cheah, Nurul Bahariah Dollah, Ching Thon Chang
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Perceptions of Receiving Bad News about Cancer among Bone Cancer Patients in Sarawak General Hospital - A Descriptive Study
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This study aims to examine the perceptions and expectations of bone cancer patients regarding the delivery of bad news from their doctors, particularly within the context of their cultural environment at the Sarawak General Hospital in Malaysia. With cancer being a prominent global health issue and bone cancer being relatively rare, understanding the communication dynamics around bad news delivery is crucial. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, employing a pretested questionnaire to gather data from patients on their experiences and feelings during the process of receiving their diagnosis and treatment plans.
Importance of Effective Communication
The findings indicate that while a majority of patients felt they received bad news in a comfortable environment and appreciated the simplicity and warmth of their doctor's communication, there were critical areas that need attention. Notably, only a small percentage of patients reported receiving the news in private settings, with less than 20% feeling their emotional needs were adequately addressed during the conversation. This highlights a significant gap in the communication skills of physicians, where sensitivity to the patient’s emotional state and allowing them to express their feelings were lacking. Additionally, the data revealed that only a minority of doctors involved nurses in the process, which could potentially limit the support systems available to patients during such a distressing time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the delivery of bad news concerning cancer is a complex yet essential communication task that profoundly affects patient outcomes. Despite high patient satisfaction on certain aspects of communication, the study identifies crucial shortcomings in physician practices that need to be addressed. The findings suggest that tailored training programs would be beneficial for medical professionals to enhance their skills in breaking bad news, ensuring they consider patients' prior knowledge and emotional needs. Future research should expand on these insights across different cancer types and utilize mixed-methods approaches to deepen the understanding of patient experiences in this critical aspect of healthcare.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the study on bone cancer patients?
The study aimed to determine the perceptions and expectations of bone cancer patients regarding their doctors and the process of breaking bad news, along with the environment in which the news was delivered.
How many patients were involved in the study?
A total of 30 bone cancer patients were interviewed during the study conducted at Sarawak General Hospital over a two-month period.
What key findings emerged regarding the breaking of bad news?
Patients reported receiving the news in a comfortable environment, with doctors using simple language. However, issues were identified with privacy and the need for more sensitivity in considering patients’ emotions during the interaction.
What recommendations were made for improving communication skills in doctors?
The study recommended tailored training for physicians to enhance their skills in breaking bad news, ensuring they consider patients' prior knowledge, allow emotional expression, and maintain a supportive communication environment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Bone Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Bad News at Sarawak Hospital”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer represents a major global health issue and is a leading cause of death. It encompasses various types of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The text focuses on bone cancer, highlighting its psychological impact on patients when receiving bad news regarding their diagnosis and prognosis. Addressing cancer comprehensively is essential for improving patient outcomes.
2) Study (Studying):
The study refers to a systematic investigation aimed at understanding the perceptions and expectations of bone cancer patients regarding how their doctors communicate bad news. It employs a structured questionnaire to gather quantitative data, which can inform best practices in communication within healthcare settings and ultimately enhance patient experiences during difficult health conversations.
3) Perception:
Perception in this context relates to how patients interpret and understand the communication from their doctors when breaking bad news about cancer. It includes their feelings about the environment, the physician's behavior, and the manner of news delivery. Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for healthcare providers to improve communication and foster emotional support.
4) Language:
Language is significant in this study as it pertains to how doctors communicate the diagnosis to patients. The use of simple, clear language is essential for patients to understand their health situation and the implications. Effective communication can help mitigate the emotional distress associated with receiving bad news.
5) Table:
The tables referenced in the study provide a structured presentation of data, summarizing the demographic characteristics, health profiles, and patient perceptions. This organization of information allows for easier interpretation and analysis, facilitating comparisons and insights regarding the effective communication of bad news in a clinical setting.
6) Life:
Life encompasses the patients' future prospects and the emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis. The text discusses how the way a doctor delivers bad news can significantly influence a patient's outlook and coping mechanisms. Addressing the psychological dimension of life after a diagnosis is essential for comprehensive patient care.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the awareness that patients have regarding their own conditions or treatment options. The study indicates that doctors should consider patients' prior knowledge when delivering bad news to foster better communication and decision-making. This understanding can empower patients, making them active participants in their healthcare journey.
8) Training:
Training is vital for healthcare providers in developing the necessary skills for effectively breaking bad news to patients. The text suggests that specialized education can enhance physicians' communication abilities, enabling them to deliver difficult messages with empathy and clarity, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction in challenging situations.
9) Disease:
Disease, particularly cancer in this context, represents the underlying medical condition being discussed. The text emphasizes the devastating effects of bone cancer on patients' physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the nuances of the disease is essential for doctors to communicate effectively regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
10) Account:
Account pertains to the consideration of individual patient experiences and circumstances when doctors are communicating bad news. Acknowledging the patient's situation fosters a personalized approach to communication, ensuring that the interaction remains sensitive and relevant. This perspective is crucial for maintaining a supportive doctor-patient relationship.
11) Hand:
Hand symbolizes a potential form of comfort during the sensitive communication process of breaking bad news. While the text indicates that physical contact is limited in this context, the act of holding a patient's hand can convey empathy and support. Understanding cultural considerations around such gestures is important for effective patient care.
12) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field dedicated to diagnosing and treating illness, including cancer. The study highlights the complexities of medical communication and the importance of delivering bad news compassionately. Effective communication in medicine is crucial for both patient understanding and emotional support during such difficult times.
13) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, specifically mentioned in the context of the patients involved in the study. Understanding the treatment process and its implications is vital for effective communication. Addressing patients’ concerns about chemotherapy can help mitigate anxiety and improve their overall treatment experience.
14) Observation:
Observation involves understanding how patients perceive their interactions with healthcare providers, particularly when receiving bad news. The study's findings provide insights into patients' experiences, highlighting the importance of observing patient responses to enhance communication strategies and emotional support during critical moments.
15) Education:
Education refers to the knowledge and skills physicians must possess about effective communication and patient care. The text suggests that ongoing education and training are necessary for healthcare professionals to improve their abilities to deliver bad news compassionately, ensuring patients are informed and supported throughout the process.
16) Teaching:
Teaching pertains to the instructional aspect of imparting skills and knowledge to healthcare providers regarding communication strategies. The text implies that structured learning programs can enhance physicians' competency in delivering sensitive information, ultimately benefiting the patient experience and healthcare outcomes.
17) Quality:
Quality relates to the standard of care that patients receive when being informed of their diagnosis. The study highlights the need for healthcare systems to ensure high-quality communication practices, as effective delivery of bad news can significantly impact patient understanding and emotional processing of the situation.
18) Family:
Family represents the support system for patients undergoing treatment and their emotional journey after receiving bad news. The text indicates that family presence during the communication process can provide emotional support, making it crucial for healthcare providers to consider family dynamics when breaking bad news.
19) Death:
Death is an inherent aspect of cancer prognosis and is a core component of the communication process when delivering bad news. The study underscores the emotional distress associated with the concept of death, emphasizing the need for compassionate communication strategies as healthcare providers navigate these sensitive discussions.
20) Pose:
Pose in this context refers to the challenges or questions that arise during the interaction between healthcare providers and patients when discussing bad news. The complexities of conveying difficult information necessitate careful consideration by doctors to ensure clear communication while addressing the emotional aspects of the diagnosis.
21) Pain:
Pain is a significant symptom that cancer patients often experience, impacting their physical and emotional health. The study highlights that effective communication regarding pain management is crucial for improving patients' quality of life. Addressing pain in the context of care ensures that holistic patient needs are met.
22) Pur:
Poor refers to the inadequate communication practices that can hinder effective patient interaction, particularly when delivering bad news. The study highlights the importance of enhancing physicians' skills to avoid poor communication outcomes, ensuring that patients receive support and understanding during such critical moments.
23) Male:
Male refers to a demographic characteristic of patients involved in the study, which includes understanding their specific perceptions and experiences related to communication. Recognizing how gender may influence patient responses to bad news can inform better communication strategies tailored to different patient groups.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Bone Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Bad News at Sarawak Hospital’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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