Reduction of psychological stress in surgical patients

Stage II breast cancer: Differences between four coping patterns in side effects during adjuvant chemotherapy

“…Optimistic breast cancer patients, or those labeled as having "fighting spirit," have been found to have longer survival [21] and a greater sense of well being [26]. Information seeking and involvement in treatment decisions have been related to positive psychological and physical outcomes [19,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33] and a willingness to think about and disclose traumatic experiences has been related to improved health [24].…”

Doctor-Patient Communication in Surgery

“…Suggestions for improving communication included information pamphlets (Johnson et al 1970), audiovisual aids and group therapy (Schmitt et al 1973), specific coping techniques (Langer et al 1975) and teaching communication skills to medical students (Maddison 1978, Maguire 1978. However, none of these techniques is being used routinely on surgical wards in Southampton.…”

“…Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits for doctors and patients which can be attained by improving communication (Reading 1979, Schmitt & Wooldridge 1973, Langer et al 1975. In surgery, it has been suggested that effective communication can reduce postoperative complications and analgesic requirements, thus effecting earlier discharge.…”

“…Research into communication in medicine suggests that the failure to resolve these difficulties can be partly attributed to doctors (Pellegrino 1976, Francis et al 1969, Reinhard 1974. The medical profession appears to be content with its ability to communicate with patients and seems unaware of existing problems.Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits for doctors and patients which can be attained by improving communication (Reading 1979, Schmitt & Wooldridge 1973, Langer et al 1975. In surgery, it has been suggested that effective communication can reduce postoperative complications and analgesic requirements, thus effecting earlier discharge.…”

Do patients want choice? An observational study of neurology consultations

“…Patients whose symptoms were considered 'medically explained' expressed greater satisfaction overall, as well as on the 'rapport' subscale, than those whose symptoms were thought 'medically unexplained'. It has been argued that the 'rapport' subscale of the MISS-21 has particular clinical relevance because studies using other measures have demonstrated that interactions in which physicians are perceived as being empathic, reassuring and as showing positive affect are associated with better patient outcomes [34][35][36][37][38]. This subscale has previously been used in Conversation Analytic (CA) research and been shown to be sensitive to interactional features in primary care consultations [39].…”