Expectations and perception of cancer treatment goals in previously untreated patients. The EXPECT trial

Abstract

Purpose Misconceptions regarding activity and toxicity of therapeutic interventions are common among cancer patients. There is little knowledge about the factors that contribute to a more realistic perception by patients. Methods This pilot study was designed as a prospective questionnaire survey and included 101 therapy-naïve patients treated at the Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna. After obtaining written informed consent, patients’ expectations about treatment aims, side effects and the satisfaction with their oncologic consultation were interrogated before the first treatment cycle by questionnaires. Results Of 101 patients, 53 (53%) were female and 67/101 (66%) were treated with curative attempt in an adjuvant or neo-adjuvant setting. The most common diagnoses were lung cancer (31%) and breast cancer (30%). Although 92% of patients were satisfied with the information given by their oncologist, palliative patients were more likely to declare that not everything was explained in an intelligible manner (p = 0.01). Patients with a first language other than German stated more often that their physician did not listen carefully enough (p = 0.02). Of 30 patients, 26 (87%) receiving chemotherapy with palliative intent believed that their disease was curable. Concerning adverse events, female patients anticipated more frequently hair loss (p = 0.003) and changes in taste (p = 0.001) compared to men. Patients under curative treatment were more likely to expect weight loss (p = 0.02) and lack of appetite (p = 0.01) compared to patients with palliative treatment intent. Conclusion In conclusion, cancer patients were satisfied with the patient-doctor communication. This prospective study aggregated patients’ concerns on side effects and the perception of therapeutic goals in therapy-naïve patients. Of note, the majority of patients treated in the palliative setting expected their treatment to cure the disease.

Communication of anticancer drug benefits and related uncertainties to patients and clinicians: document analysis of regulated information on prescription drugs in Europe

“…Regulatory approval of an apparently effective new treatment is an important source of hope for patients with cancer. A major body of research shows that many patients with cancer, particularly those with advanced disease, misunderstand the purpose of drug treatment and overestimate the benefits 383940417071727374757677. When patients have unrealistic expectations of the benefits from treatment and misplaced confidence in the strength of study findings underlying approvals, informed decision making is undermined.…”

Influencing Factors of Patients’ Trust in Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…The results of this study and the other two interview-based studies showed that most patients had high requirements for treatment results, especially the patients with incurable malignant diseases. 32,33 Owing to the continuous reform of the medical system and the gradual improvement of medical technology, patients have excessively high expectations for the treatment effect while seeking medical treatment, which tends to produce discrepancies between expectations and reality, thus, affecting nurse-patient trust. 34 In addition, with the improvement of patients' legal consciousness, their requirements for medical service quality and awareness of their medical rights are also constantly increasing.…”