Breast cancer care: Patient information and communication as a preventive educational process

Abstract

Background: The goals of medical interaction and communication are to provide information to promote biophysical and psychological health, prevent illness and cope with illness. According to the literature and the results of our own studies on quality of life, the first step medical staff should take in understanding the principles and processes of effective patient communication before and after treatment is to become familiar with the patient's needs and personal life. Patients and Methods: The systematic evaluation of quality of life and anxiety has been part of the clinical routine in our own prospective studies for all women with breast cancer since 1999. Results: Anxious patients require more knowledge about their illness and increased control of chronic illness not only before surgery but also in the long run in the advanced stages of disease and after extensive surgery. Thus, before surgery, information may decrease anxiety and increase patient satisfaction. After surgery, the patient's self-esteem may be enhanced by information and support, not only on medical issues but also on selfcare skills which may result in an improved physical and psychosocial status. Conclusions: The above findings may create more knowledge about the process of medical interaction related to the therapeutic outcome and individual risk factors, especially in times of early discharge, as well as the use of outpatient facilities for many procedures. Women with breast cancer should be counselled about the role of anxiety and problems of understanding medical issues prior to each medical decision. Physicians may help patients to organise their psychosocial problems before each therapeutic step in order to overcome feelings of anxiety, lack of control and self-esteem by a holistic understanding of the 'informed consent' process before, during and after treatment for breast cancer as a preventive team approach. © 2006 S. Karger GmbH.