Information, communication, and cancer patients’ trust in the physician: what challenges do we have to face in an era of precision cancer medicine?

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05692-7
• Publication Date: 2020-09-03T21:09:39Z
• Authors: Theresia Pichler; Amy Rohrmoser; Anne Letsch; C. Benedikt Westp...; Ulrich Keilholz; Volker Heinemann; Mario Lamping; Philipp J. Jost; Kristina Riedmann; Peter Herschbach; Ute Goerling
• Keywords: Information needs; Pain medicine

Abstract Purpose Despite promising achievements in precision cancer medicine (PCM), participating patients are still faced with manifold uncertainties, especially regarding a potential treatment benefit of molecular diagnostics (MD). Hence, MD poses considerable challenges for patient information and communication. To meet these challenges, healthcare professionals need to gain deeper insight into patients’ subjective experiences. Therefore, this qualitative study examined aspects programs patients. Methods In two German Comprehensive Cancer Centers, 30 undergoing participated semi-structured interviews on transfer needs MD. Additionally, provided sociodemographic medical data indicated their level (visual analogue scale, VAS, 0–10). Results On average had high levels (mean = 7, median 8); nevertheless 20% ( n 6) showed an below 5 points. Qualitative analysis revealed that show limited understanding the complex background have uncertainties personal benefit. Further, described unmet needs. Existential threat awaiting results was experienced as burdensome. withstand strains situation, emphasized importance trusting physician. Conclusion The PCM consist providing unambiguous information, concerning benefit, guidance support. psycho-oncology develop guidelines adequate communication order help providers handle developing field PCM.