TY - JOUR
T1 - Patient-professional communication research in cancer
T2 - An integrative review of research methods in the context of a conceptual framework
AU - Carlson, Linda E.
AU - Feldman-Stewart, Deb
AU - Tishelman, Carol
AU - Brundage, Michael D.
AU - Hack, T.
AU - Degner, L.
AU - Baile, W.
AU - Bultz, B.
AU - Butler, L.
AU - Davison, J.
AU - Parker, P.
AU - Thorne, S.
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2005/10
Y1 - 2005/10
N2 - This paper uses the conceptual framework of Feldman-Stewart et al. to organize and review the types of research methodologies used to investigate various aspects of patient-health care professional communication in the context of cancer. Research methods employed are classified as either non-experimental or experimental. Non-experimental designs include naturalistic observational studies (e.g. participant observation, audio- or videotaping of interactions) and retrospective introspective descriptions (e.g. self-report questionnaires, qualitative interview methods). Experimental designs often involve interventions aimed at improving communication, such as physician or patient training, and the use of technology to enhance communication (e.g. audiotapes, computers). Using the conceptualization of the communication framework description, we argue that the outcome measures used in these studies address either primary goals, enabling goals, or secondary communication outcomes. Outcomes that are related to primary goals of the communication exchange include assessing the level of understanding of information conveyed, aspects of decision making, planning around treatments, or general provision of care. Outcomes related to enabling goals focus on elements that affect the ability to achieve primary goals. Outcomes secondary to the communication do not relate directly to what the communication is attempting to achieve. We conclude by identifying priority areas for further research, such as identifying the goals of both participants, understanding how particular aspects of the communication process affect their ability to achieve their goals, and examining the external environment in which communication takes place.
AB - This paper uses the conceptual framework of Feldman-Stewart et al. to organize and review the types of research methodologies used to investigate various aspects of patient-health care professional communication in the context of cancer. Research methods employed are classified as either non-experimental or experimental. Non-experimental designs include naturalistic observational studies (e.g. participant observation, audio- or videotaping of interactions) and retrospective introspective descriptions (e.g. self-report questionnaires, qualitative interview methods). Experimental designs often involve interventions aimed at improving communication, such as physician or patient training, and the use of technology to enhance communication (e.g. audiotapes, computers). Using the conceptualization of the communication framework description, we argue that the outcome measures used in these studies address either primary goals, enabling goals, or secondary communication outcomes. Outcomes that are related to primary goals of the communication exchange include assessing the level of understanding of information conveyed, aspects of decision making, planning around treatments, or general provision of care. Outcomes related to enabling goals focus on elements that affect the ability to achieve primary goals. Outcomes secondary to the communication do not relate directly to what the communication is attempting to achieve. We conclude by identifying priority areas for further research, such as identifying the goals of both participants, understanding how particular aspects of the communication process affect their ability to achieve their goals, and examining the external environment in which communication takes place.
KW - Cancer
KW - Communication
KW - Health-care professionals
KW - Methodology
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=27144482411&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=27144482411&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/pon.951
DO - 10.1002/pon.951
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16200512
AN - SCOPUS:27144482411
SN - 1057-9249
VL - 14
SP - 812
EP - 828
JO - Psycho-oncology
JF - Psycho-oncology
IS - 10
ER -