View Abstract
Sunmin Lee
What is lacking in patient-physician communication: from Asian American breast cancer patients’ and oncologists’ perspectives
Abstract Text:
Objectives: Interaction with oncologists is an important factor for treatment process among breast cancer patients. Little is known about patient-physician communication process among Asian American breast cancer survivors. We interviewed both Asian American patients and several oncologists to explore patient-physician communication process in breast cancer. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with nine Chinese or Korean American breast cancer survivors and three Asian oncologists who routinely provide care for Asian patients in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Interviews with patients were conducted in Chinese or Korean and then translated into English. Physicians’ interviews were conducted in English. Qualitative analysis was performed to identify themes. Results: For women with limited English proficiency, language was the biggest barrier to understanding information and making treatment-related decisions. Both patients and oncologists believed that translation provided by patients’ family members may not be accurate, and patients may neglect to ask questions because of the worry of burdening others. Cultural differences were observed regarding expectations of the role of the doctor and views of cancer recovery. Confirmed by oncologists, Asian women were less assertive and mostly relied on the physicians to make treatment decisions. However, many patients expressed a desire to be actively involved in the decision-making process. Implications: Proper patient education with linguistically and culturally appropriate information and tools may help improve communication and decision-making process. Next steps: We plan to design and implement a theory-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention to Korean breast cancer survivors. The intervention component will include skills to enhance patient-physician communication.
What is lacking in patient-physician communication: from Asian American breast cancer patients’ and oncologists’ perspectives
Abstract Text:
Objectives: Interaction with oncologists is an important factor for treatment process among breast cancer patients. Little is known about patient-physician communication process among Asian American breast cancer survivors. We interviewed both Asian American patients and several oncologists to explore patient-physician communication process in breast cancer. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with nine Chinese or Korean American breast cancer survivors and three Asian oncologists who routinely provide care for Asian patients in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Interviews with patients were conducted in Chinese or Korean and then translated into English. Physicians’ interviews were conducted in English. Qualitative analysis was performed to identify themes. Results: For women with limited English proficiency, language was the biggest barrier to understanding information and making treatment-related decisions. Both patients and oncologists believed that translation provided by patients’ family members may not be accurate, and patients may neglect to ask questions because of the worry of burdening others. Cultural differences were observed regarding expectations of the role of the doctor and views of cancer recovery. Confirmed by oncologists, Asian women were less assertive and mostly relied on the physicians to make treatment decisions. However, many patients expressed a desire to be actively involved in the decision-making process. Implications: Proper patient education with linguistically and culturally appropriate information and tools may help improve communication and decision-making process. Next steps: We plan to design and implement a theory-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention to Korean breast cancer survivors. The intervention component will include skills to enhance patient-physician communication.
