Communication with breast cancer survivors.

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
William N. Dudley, Professor Public Health Education (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Breast cancer survivors must manage chronic side effects of original treatment. To manage these symptoms, communication must include both biomedical and contextual lifestyle factors. Sixty breast cancer survivors and 6 providers were recruited to test a conceptual model developed from uncertainty in illness theory and the dimensions of a patient-centered relationship. Visits were audio-taped, then coded using the Measure of Patient-Centered Communication (Brown, Stewart, & Ryan, 2001). Consultations were found to be 52% patient-centered. Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) analysis showed that survivor self-reported fatigue level and conversation about symptoms were associated with survivor uncertainty, mood state, and survivor perception of patient-centered communication. Survivors may want to discuss persistent symptom concerns with providers, due to concerns about recurrence, and discuss lifestyle contextual concerns with others.

Additional Information

Publication
Health Communication 23(3), 207-221
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Breast cancer survivor, Illness theory, Patient-centered relationship, Chronic side effects

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