An Intervention to Improve Communication Between Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Physicians

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors often use clues to convey their concerns to their oncologists. The authors conducted a randomized trial of a communication coaching intervention in which 22 female breast cancer survivors were randomized to the coaching and 22 to treatment as usual. They hypothesized that the intervention would increase breast cancer self-efficacy, improve mood, and reduce fears of recurrence. Through a series of ANCOVAs they found that the intervention led to increases in self-efficacy. Changes in self-efficacy predicted changes in anxiety, depression, and womanhood fears. This coaching intervention shows promise but requires additional studies to establish is efficacy and effectiveness.

KEYWORDS:

• physician-patient communication
• coaching intervention
• breast cancer
• randomized trial
• nursing

This researched supported by grants from the Oncological Sciences Center and the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering of Purdue University to Dr. Shields and by American Cancer Society RSGPB-04-089-01PBP to Dr. Champion.