A survey of breast cancer physicians regarding patient involvement in breast cancer treatment decisions

Abstract

Purpose: Shared breast cancer treatment decision-making between patients and physicians increases patient treatment satisfaction and compliance and is influenced by physician-related factors. Attitudes and behaviors about patient involvement in breast cancer treatment decisions and treatment-related communication were assessed by specialty among breast cancer physicians of women enrolled in the Breast Cancer Quality of Care Study (BQUAL).

Results: Of 275 BQUAL physicians identified, 50.0% responded to the survey. Most physicians spend 46-60 min with the patient during the initial consult visit and 51.5% report that the treatment decision is made in one visit. Oncologists spend more time with new breast cancer patients during the initial consult (p = 0.021), and find it more difficult to handle their own feelings than breast surgeons (p = <0.001).

Conclusion: Breast surgeons and oncologists share similar attitudes and behaviors related to patient involvement in treatment decision-making, yet oncologists report more difficulty managing their own feelings during the decision-making process.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Fig. 1

Comparison of total treating physicians (N = 275) identified by participants enrolled in the Breast Cancer Quality of Care Study (BQUAL) May 2006 through July 2010 and physicians respondents (N = 138) by recruitment site and specialty (oncologist, N = 66 vs. breast surgeon, N = 72).