Description
The aim of this study was to clarify advanced cancer patients' communication preferences regarding ending anticancer treatment and transitioning to palliative care, and to explore variables associated with these preferences. Participants were 106 Japanese cancer patients who had been informed at least 1 week earlier of the cessation of their anticancer treatment. They completed a survey measuring their preferences for communication about ending anticancer treatment and transitioning to palliative care, as well as their demographic characteristics. Medical records were also examined to investigate medical characteristics. Results of the descriptive analysis indicated that patients strongly preferred their physicians to listen to their distress and concerns (96%), assure them that their painful symptoms would be controlled (97.1%), and explain the status of their illness and the physical symptoms that would likely occur in the future (95.1%). Multiple regression analyses indicated the factors associated with these preferences: telling patients to prepare mentally, and informing them of their expected life expectancy, was associated with cancer site; sustaining hope was associated with cancer site and children; and empathic paternalism was associated with duration since cancer diagnosis. The majority of patients preferred their physicians to be realistic about their likely future and to be reassured that their painful symptoms would be controlled. For patients with certain cancer sites, those with children, and those more recently diagnosed, physicians should communicate carefully and actively by providing information on life expectancy and mental preparation, sustaining hope, and behaving as empathic paternalism.