Ovarian cancer patients who report a higher level of patient-centered communication (PCC) have a higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL). TThe quantitative metrics of PCC and HRQoL does not well explain this correlation and HRQoL. In order to comprehend the relationship between PCC and HRQoL, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with patients who had both high and low evaluations of PCC. Explanatory research utilizing a combination of methodologies. Ovarian cancer patients who were native English speakers from the United States participated.
In purposive sampling 14 participants with total scores in the top and bottom quartiles, investigators used the Patient-Centered Communication – Cancer (PCC-Ca)-36 to evaluate PCC (possible score range 1-5; higher scores reflect greater patient-centeredness). In addition, individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. The research of interview transcripts was driven by the National Cancer Institute Framework for PCC in Cancer Care.
The results of the poll and interviews were presented together. The PCC-Ca-36 total scores of the 176 survey takers varied from 1.7 to 5.0. High-scoring patients (4.8–5.0) reported that their clinicians were proactive and concerned about their mental health. Patients in the lowest scoring quartile (1.7–3.5) reported receiving little personalized attention and few resources to help them take charge of their own care. Differences in perceived support for psychological issues and self-management may account for some of the correlation between PCC and QoL. Proactive, individual care may be easier to obtain with the help of PCC.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009082582200573X
