Shields, C.G., Ziner, K.W., Bourff, S.A., Schilling, K., Zhao, Q., Monahan, P., . . . Champion, V. (2010). An intervention to improve communication between breast cancer survivors and their physicians. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 28, 610–629.
To compare a coaching intervention that uses a prompt sheet with usual care to improve cancer provider and survivor communication about survivor worries
The study involved a telephone coaching session using a prompt sheet and a nurse guiding a participant in prioritizing concerns to be addressed at an upcoming oncologist visit.
A randomized controlled trial design was used.
Most concerns centered around current symptoms, long-term effects of treatment, and recurrence of cancer. The prompt sheet and coaching did not have a significant effect on depression, anxiety, or worries. Survivor questions communicated worry about symptoms and long-term side effects experienced by young breast cancer survivors.
Self-efficacy may be a significant predictor of survivors’ state of anxiety and depression.
This type of intervention may help survivors to think about their concerns prior to an office visit and organize their thoughts for the visit so that priority issues can be addressed. Whether this has an impact on outcomes has not been supported. Findings suggest that self-efficacy is predictive of role concerns and emotional outcomes such as state anxiety and depression.