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Radiation oncology outpatients’ patterns of life expectancy discussions
Author(s) -
Waller Amy,
Mackenzie Lisa,
Carey Mariko,
SansonFisher Rob
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13021
Subject(s) - life expectancy , medicine , expectancy theory , family medicine , radiation oncology , health care , cancer , radiation therapy , nursing , surgery , psychology , social psychology , population , environmental health , economics , economic growth
Objectives To describe the (a) number and type of cancer care providers that radiation oncology outpatients report discussing life expectancy with, and (b) perceptions of the acceptability and utility of life expectancy information. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of patients receiving radiotherapy was undertaken in four treatment centres. Patients indicated whether they had discussed life expectancy with a cancer doctor (i.e., medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeon, haematologists) and/or other cancer care provider (i.e., general practitioner, radiation therapist, nurse); and acceptability and utility of information. Results Of 207 respondents, 133 (64%) had discussed life expectancy with at least one provider. General practitioners (GPs) were the most frequent source of information. Of those who had discussed life expectancy, half ( n = 110/207) perceived cancer would not impact life expectancy. Information was easy to understand (91%), discussed sensitively (90%), helped plan for future (83%) and gave them certainty (86%). The information made 11% feel overloaded and 34% feel anxious. Conclusion Two‐thirds of respondents had discussed life expectancy with at least one cancer care provider. Providers from the range of disciplines involved in cancer care need to be skilled at communicating life expectancy information and recognising the adverse impact this may have on some patients.