Effect of Terminology Used to Describe Medical Oncologists on Perceptions of Radiation Oncologists as Equal Partners in Cancer Care.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Our purpose was to assess the terminology used to describe the different oncologic subspecialties at academic institutions in the United States and determine whether the use of the term "oncologist" to describe a medical oncologist (MO) may affect the multidisciplinary care of patients with cancer.

Methods and materials

An electronic survey was sent to chairs and program directors at all 94 academic radiation oncology departments in the United States. Questions assessed the terminology used to describe the oncologic subspecialties in their hospital's electronic medical record system, their views on how that terminology may affect referral patterns, and the perception of radiation oncologists' (ROs) role in patient care.

Results

Responses were received from 40

SUBMITTER: Mattes MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8042774 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature