Is the Way in Which We Communicate Information to Chemotherapy Patients Effective - Essay Example

The concern is generated as to when to give information. The present literature notes that early use of information helps patients make a treatment decision but because of the emotional issues involved in this information, it will probably need to be repeated later. There are several questions that are asked related to the research that is reviewed and there is a strong indication for the need to do research on the subject, therefore, a research proposal has been included. This proposal has the aim of focusing on the experience of receiving information from primary providers during the first session of chemotherapy. This is a phenomenological approach in the qualitative form of a questionnaire that is provided for data collection.
Women with breast cancer are uniquely involved in the national and local level of advocation for resources and treatment for patients with breast cancer as well as those who are survivors. This requires a great deal of communication with those outside the realm of the disease. However, when the communication between the patient and their primary care providers is considered, it often falls short. Primary providers are often not prepared to provide this information and are not comfortable with the level of conversation that must take place. There is also the issue that there does not, at this time, seem to be an evidence-based practice of when is the best time to talk with these patients.
Communication is a multi-level process that includes not only verbal but non-verbal discussion. It is seen in some of this research that the non-verbal communication that occurs throughout cancer care can be more important to these patients than verbal communication. This type of communication can also be more detrimental in creating a fantasy belief that the patient is unable to easily shake (Parker, Aaron, Baile, 2009). This is the kind of fantasy belief that causes a patient to think things are worse than they are and this is one of those points at which good communication ability may improve the patient's outcome. Understanding and using good communication abilities is the cornerstone of good cancer care (Parker et.al., 2009).
It is well recognized that cancer represents a crisis in the lives of those that are affected. There is a concern to determine how best to improve those things that can be improved, one of which is communication. Communication with the first-time breast cancer patient receiving chemotherapy can be crucial in improving outcomes both short-term and long-term.