Patient-health care provider communication among patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: Findings from a population-based survey

Lixin Song, Jeannette T. Bensen, Catherine Zimmer, Betsy Sleath, Bonny Blackard, Elizabeth Fontham, L. Joseph Su, Christine S. Brennan, James L. Mohler, Merle Mishel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To examine the multidimensional concept of patient-health care provider (HCP) communication, its effects on patient satisfaction with oncology care services, and related racial differences. Methods: The current analysis draws from a population-based survey sample of 1011 African American and 1034 Caucasian American men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The variables of satisfaction with health care services, interpersonal treatment, contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication were analyzed using multiple-group structural equation modeling. Results: Regardless of race, patient-HCP communication was related positively to interpersonal treatment by the HCP, HCP's contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication. More positive patient-HCP communication was related to more satisfaction with health care services. Racial differences were significant in the relationships between patient-HCP communication and prostate cancer communication. Conclusion: Content and interpersonal relationships are important aspects of patient-HCP communication and affect patient satisfaction with oncologic care for prostate cancer. Practice implications: HCPs need to integrate the transfer of information with emotional support and interpersonal connection when they communicate with men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)79-84
Number of pages6
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume91
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Patient-health care provider communication
  • Prostate cancer
  • Satisfaction with health care services
  • Structural equation modeling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Patient-health care provider communication among patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: Findings from a population-based survey'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this