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Patient participation in multidisciplinary tumor conferences: Providers' perceptions of patients' need satisfaction and emotional experiences
Author(s) -
Diekmann Annika,
Heuser Christian,
Schellenberger Barbara,
Bohmeier Barbara,
Holmberg Christine,
Ansmann Lena,
Ernstmann Nicole
Publication year - 2020
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.5413
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , perspective (graphical) , perception , medicine , patient satisfaction , qualitative research , breast cancer , emotional support , nursing , family medicine , psychology , cancer , psychotherapist , social support , social science , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science
Objective In some breast and gynecological cancer centers in Germany, patients participate in multidisciplinary tumor conferences (MTCs) during the discussion of their own case. The aim of this study was to explore providers' perceptions concerning patients' emotional experiences during participation in an MTC by comparing the perspectives of providers with and without experience with patient participation. Methods In this study, semi‐structured interviews with n = 30 providers in n = 6 breast and gynecological cancer centers in North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany, were conducted. One half of the providers had no experience and the other half had experience with patient participation in MTCs. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and content analysis was performed. Results The results of this study show a mixed picture of met, unmet and disappointed needs of patients and their emotional reactions, which mainly overlap between both provider groups. Our results show that both provider groups report positive and negative experiences or expectations. Conclusion The mixed results regarding expected and perceived patient experiences from the providers' perspective suggest that patient participation in MTCs may not be exclusively of benefit. Further research on advantages and disadvantages for patients and on feasibility from the providers' perspective is necessary and will be conducted within the PINTU project.