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Doctor‐patient communication and subsequent mental health in women with gynaecological cancer
Author(s) -
Paraskevaidis E.,
Kitchener H. C.,
Walker L. G.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.2960020305
Subject(s) - hospital anxiety and depression scale , anxiety , medicine , depression (economics) , scale (ratio) , psychiatry , mental health , clinical psychology , emotional support , family medicine , psychology , social support , psychotherapist , physics , quantum mechanics , economics , macroeconomics
A total of 117 women attending a gynaecological oncology follow‐up clinic completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS) and a 72‐item ad hoc questionnaire designed to assess their evaluation of doctor‐patient communication and the perceived impact of diagnosis and treatment. Women who were anxious and/or depressed at follow‐up were more critical of doctor—patient interaction, particularly regarding the amount of information given. Young women, and married or widowed women, had more emotional difficulties and needs, as did those who had had a long remission. Although 47% of the women reported being too shocked to take in details at the time the diagnosis was confirmed, only 3% felt that they had been given too much information at that time and 23% would have preferred more information. During the ensuing month, 39% would have liked further information although 21% did not wish this. In many cases, therefore, there is a need for repeated information giving consultations. Routine use of HADS and CECS may help the clinician to identify and monitor patients most at risk of psychological problems.