Allen, Sarah and Harris, Rebecca (2019) Communication Head Neck Oncology Review Clinics. [Data Collection]
Description
Abstract Objective: To explore socioeconomic status (SES) differences in patterns of doctor-patient communication within head and neck cancer clinics and why such differences exist. Methods: 36 head and neck cancer review appointments with 5 Consultants were observed and audio-taped, along with follow-up interviews involving 32 patients. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis, and compared by patient SES (education, occupation, and Indices of Multiple Deprivation). Results: Three main themes were identified: 1. Consultants used more humour and small-talk in their consultations with high SES patients; 2. Low SES patients were more passive in their participation, engaged in less agenda setting and information-seeking, and framed their clinical experience differently; 3. Low SES patients had different preferences for involvement, defining involvement differently to high SES patients and were seen to take a more stoical approach. Conclusion: Low SES patients take a more passive role in medical consultations, engage in less relational talk and are less likely to raise concerns, but were satisfied with this. Consultants may adapt their communication behaviour in response to low SES patients’ expectations and preferences. Practice Implications: A question prompt list may help low SES patients to raise concerns during their consultations. This may reduce inequalities in communication and health.
| Keywords: | Doctor-patient communication, SES, head and neck cancer, qualitative |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Sarah Allen |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Sep 2019 09:53 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Sep 2019 09:53 |
| DOI: | 10.17638/datacat.liverpool.ac.uk/904 |
| URI: | https://datacat.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/904 |
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