Open AccessClinician perspectives on communication and implementation challenges in precision oncology
Author(s) -
Jada G. Hamilton,
Smita C. Banerjee,
Sigrid Carlsson,
Jacqueline Vera,
Kathleen Lynch,
Liliane Sar-Graycar,
Chloé Martin,
Patricia Parker,
Jennifer L. Hay
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
personalized medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-828X
pISSN - 1741-0541
DOI - 10.2217/pme-2021-0048
Subject(s) - precision oncology , oncology , medicine , breast cancer , precision medicine , thematic analysis , qualitative research , cancer , social science , pathology , sociology
Aim: To describe patient communication challenges encountered by oncology clinicians, which represent a fundamental barrier to implementing precision oncology. Materials & methods: We conducted three focus groups including breast, melanoma and thoracic oncology clinicians regarding their precision oncology communication experiences. Transcripts were reviewed and coded using inductive thematic text analysis. Results: We identified four themes: varied definitions of precision oncology exist, clinicians and patients face unique challenges to precision oncology implementation, patient communication challenges engendered or heightened by precision oncology implementation and clinician communication solutions and training needs. Conclusion: This study elucidated clinicians' perspectives on implementing precision oncology and related communication challenges. Understanding these challenges and developing strategies to help clinicians navigate these discussions are critical for ensuring that patients reap the full benefits of precision oncology.