Handbook of Communication in Oncology and Palliative Care
David Kissane, Barry Bultz, Phyllis Butow, and Ilora Finlay
Abstract
This book provides clinicians with practical and evidence-based guidelines to achieve
effective, patient-centred communication in the areas of cancer and palliative care. It
breaks communication down into key modules that cover the life-cycle of cancer care and
includes coverage of diagnosis and treatment including clinical trials, empathic support in
response to distress, transition to survivorship or palliative therapies, discussion of
prognosis, conduct of family meetings, and care of the dying. Complementary training of
cancer patients in their communication with the doctor completes the i ... More
This book provides clinicians with practical and evidence-based guidelines to achieve
effective, patient-centred communication in the areas of cancer and palliative care. It
breaks communication down into key modules that cover the life-cycle of cancer care and
includes coverage of diagnosis and treatment including clinical trials, empathic support in
response to distress, transition to survivorship or palliative therapies, discussion of
prognosis, conduct of family meetings, and care of the dying. Complementary training of
cancer patients in their communication with the doctor completes the interactive dyad. The
art of teaching, impact of gender and power in the consultation and the ethical context are
carefully considered. Special communication challenges include discussion of genetic risk,
rehabilitative and salvage surgery, promotion of treatment adherence, unanticipated adverse
outcomes, intercultural issues, and fertility and sexuality. The value of decision aides,
question prompt lists, audio-recording of consultations and use of the internet is
illustrated. Theoretical models are examined from the medical school to the highly
specialized practice, facilitation training and actor training are made explicit, and
international approaches to communication skills training are compared and contrasted.
Finally, research tools that assist in coding cancer consultations, evaluating training
courses, and employing mixed methods in studies aid the reader in providing clear and
sensitive communication when handling challenging situations whilst treating cancer
sufferers and palliative care patients.
Keywords:
patient-centred communication,
cancer,
palliative care,
salvage surgery,
treatment adherence,
intercultural issues,
diagnosis,
training,
sexuality,
clinical trials
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2010 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780199238361 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: November 2011 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238361.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
David Kissane, Editor
Jimmie C. Holland Chair in Psycho-Oncology, Attending Psychiatrist and
Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center; Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University,
New York, NY, USA
Barry Bultz, Editor
Director, Department of Psychosocial Resources, Program Leader:
Psychosocial Oncology, Supportive, Pain and Palliative Care, Tom Baker Cancer Centre,
and Chair and Adjunct Professor, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of
Oncology, University of Calgary, Canada
Author Webpage
Phyllis Butow, Editor
Professor, NHMRC Principle Research Fellow, and Chair of the Australian
Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group, School of Psychology, University of
Sydney, Australia
Author Webpage
Ilora Finlay, Editor
Professor, Cardiff University; Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Velindre
Hospital, Cardiff; Independent Crossbench member, House of Lords, Westminster, London,
UK
More
Less
