Dataset Information

Effective patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in breast cancer: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Breast cancer patients commonly experience sexual concerns, yet rarely discuss them with clinicians. The study examined patient and provider experiences and preferences related to communication about breast cancer-related sexual concerns with the goal of informing intervention development.

Methods

Patient data (n = 28) were derived from focus groups and interviews with partnered and unpartnered women treated for breast cancer reporting sexual concerns. Provider data (n = 11) came from interviews with breast cancer oncologists and nurse practitioners. Patient and provider data were analyzed separately using the framework method of qualitative analysis.

Results

Findings revealed individual and institutional barriers to effective communication about sexual concerns and highlighted key communication facilitators (e.g., a positive patient-provider relationship, patient communication as a driver of provider communication, and vice versa). Patients expressed preferences for open, collaborative communication; providers expressed preferences for focused intervention targets (identifying concerns, offering resources/referrals) and convenient format. A model of effective communication of sexual concerns was developed to inform communication interventions.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that to improve patient-provider communication about sexual concerns, knowledge and skills-based interventions that activate patients and that equip providers for effective discussions about sexual concerns are needed, as are institutional changes that could incentivize such discussions.

SUBMITTER: Reese JB

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5803445 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Effective patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in breast cancer: a qualitative study.

Reese Jennifer Barsky JB Beach Mary Catherine MC Smith Katherine Clegg KC Bantug Elissa T ET Casale Kristen E KE Porter Laura S LS Bober Sharon L SL Tulsky James A JA Daly Mary B MB Lepore Stephen J SJ

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 20170427 10

<h4>Purpose</h4>Breast cancer patients commonly experience sexual concerns, yet rarely discuss them with clinicians. The study examined patient and provider experiences and preferences related to communication about breast cancer-related sexual concerns with the goal of informing intervention development.<h4>Methods</h4>Patient data (n = 28) were derived from focus groups and interviews with partnered and unpartnered women treated for breast cancer reporting sexual concerns. Provider data (n = 1 ...[more]

PMID: 28451911

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Dataset Information

Effective patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in breast cancer: a qualitative study.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Effective patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in breast cancer: a qualitative study.

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