Open AccessCommunicating the diagnosis of cancer or depression: Results of a randomized controlled online study using video vignettes
Author(s) -
Kühne Franziska,
Fauth Henriette,
AyBryson Destina S.,
Visser Leonie N. C.,
Weck Florian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
cancer medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 2045-7634
DOI - 10.1002/cam4.4396
Subject(s) - vignette , empathy , context (archaeology) , affect (linguistics) , medicine , clinical psychology , major depressive disorder , depression (economics) , mental health , psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , mood , paleontology , macroeconomics , communication , economics , biology
Background Communicating a diagnosis is highly important, yet complex, especially in the context of cancer and mental disorders. The aim was to explore the communication style of an oncologist vs. psychotherapist in an online study. Methods Patients ( N = 136: 65 cancer, 71 depression) were randomly assigned to watch a standardized video vignette with one of two communication styles (empathic vs. unempathic). Outcome measures of affectivity, information recall, communication skills, empathy and trust were applied. Results Regardless of diagnosis, empathic communication was associated with the perception of a significantly more empathic ( p < 0.001, η partial 2 = 0.08) and trustworthy practitioner ( p = 0.014, η partial 2 = 0.04) with better communication skills ( p = 0.013, η partial 2 = 0.05). Cancer patients reported a larger decrease in positive affect ( p < 0.001, η partial 2 = 0.15) and a larger increase in negative affect ( p < 0.001, η partial 2 = 0.14) from pre‐ to post‐video than depressive patients. Highly relevant information was recalled better in both groups ( p < 0.001, d = 0.61–1.06). Conclusions The results highlight the importance of empathy while communicating both a diagnosis of cancer and a mental disorder. Further research should focus on the communication of a mental disorder in association with cancer.