48. Investigating interactions in the oncology out patient clinic: How do patients and health care professionals experience the disclosure of significant information in the advanced cancer setting (144)
Lynn Furber, Clinical Research Nurse, School of Nursing, University of Nottingham, U.K., Nottingham, United Kingdom
ntxlf1@nottingham.ac.uk
Abstract:
The communication of significant news is common within oncology, where patients receive information about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment failures and recurrence of disease. Studies have been conducted to understand the information needs of patients diagnosed with cancer but few have focused on the longitudinal perspectives of patients and fewer still have explored the combined perspectives of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and their doctors in relation to their experience of interactions with each other during these consultations. The purpose of this study was to observe and examine the interactions between patients and health care staff in the oncology out patient clinic. A qualitative study using a longitudinal prospective case study design was designed using methods traditionally associated with ethnography, including interviews, observations and diary keeping. Patients were followed through from their initial referral to the oncologist, through into the advanced stages of their illness. In the first phase of the study, in depth interviews were conducted with 15 oncologists. In the second phase, in depth interviews were conducted with 16 patients (and their relatives on occasion) during the course of their illness, who had a median survival of six-twelve months; the health care staff were also interviewed. Data collection began in June 2006. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method and coded using NVIVO qualitative data analysis software. The analysis of data is still in progress. It is envisaged that this will be completed by January 2008. This study will make a contribution to a body of social research in health and health care. It has the potential to improve the experience of patients receiving significant information. It will also help doctors explore their communication skills and interactions with patients and proposals will be made about how education and training can contribute to future professional development within this area.
Source of Funding: N/A
Amount in Funding: N/A
Biography:
Lynn qualified as a registered nurse with a diploma in Health Studies in 1994. She initially spent five years working on a surgical ward, which specialised in colorectal and gastric surgery. Whilst completing her degree in Clinical Nursing Studies (specialising in oncology nursing) at the University of Central England she worked as a clinical trials research sister in the oncology directorate at Leicester Royal Infirmary. During her time at Leicester Lynn has worked as a Clinical Trials Team Leader and Team Leader of the Chemotherapy Suite. She started her PhD in 2003 as a part time student and then transferred to full time studies in 2005. In order to retain some of her clinical skills, Lynn still spends one day a week working within the clinical trials unit. Lynn is funded by the R&D directorate within the University of Leicester NHS Trust and is also sponsored by the Centre Social Research in Health and Health Care at Nottingham University. She is supported by supervisors in both nursing and education.