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Abstract
Prior research has demonstrated poorer patient–provider communication ratings among African American compared to White patients. The quality of patient–provider communication has been shown to impact treatment outcomes among cancer patients. A secondary data analysis design was used to determine the relationship of six patient–provider communication variables on the physical health quality of life (PHQOL) and mental health quality of life (MHQOL) of African American and White cancer patients (N = 479). We also examined whether the relationship between communication patterns and QOL differed based on race/ethnicity. Mean physical and mental health QOL scores for the sample were 69.8 and 77.6, respectively. After controlling for significant sociodemographic, clinical, and hospital variables, results showed that patients who experienced fewer interpersonal communication barriers who were more satisfied with the information given by providers had higher PHQOL and MHQOL scores. Additionally, patients who felt more comfort in asking questions or had fewer unmet information needs had higher MHQOL. A stratified analysis showed that the relationship of overall satisfaction with information on MHQOL was stronger among African American patients than White patients. Future research should focus on the development of interventions to improve patient–provider communication as a means for enhancing QOL outcomes among cancer survivors.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Illinois State Cancer Registry and the Tumor Boards at 33 participating hospitals for their cooperation with this study. This paper is dedicated to the loving memory of Barbara Smith—cancer survivor, community activist, and friend.
Funding
This research was supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD (1R01CA775-01A1).