91 Background: Patient-provider communication is essential to delivering high quality cancer care, including post-treatment when survivors have many complex care needs. In this study, we used data collected for quality improvement from a small, feasibility sample to examine patient perceptions of provider communication and inform the development of a new Oncology Survivorship Clinic model. Methods: As part of a pilot project conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), we surveyed 51 breast cancer patients post-treatment. The survey included a communication measure from the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Experiences with Cancer survey evaluating provider discussions of: surveillance for recurrence; late or long-term treatment effects; healthy lifestyle behaviors; and emotional or social needs. We also examined reports of the six core functions of patient-centered communication (i.e. managing uncertainty, responding to emotions, making decisions, fostering healing relationships, enabling self-management, and exchanging information) using a measure from the Health Information Trends Survey (HINTS) survey. Part of the purpose was to evaluate acceptability of a new Oncology Survivorship Clinic utilizing non-physician providers. Results: The sample included 51 breast cancer patients surveyed in 2016 within six months of treatment completion. Overall, sizable proportions received detailed communication about surveillance (65%), treatment side effects (46%), emotional needs (41%), and healthy lifestyles (71%) and the majority received patient-centered communication (range: 60-73% based on core function). Particular gaps were noted related to provider communication about treatment side effects (54%), emotional/social needs (59%), managing uncertainty (35%), and responding to emotions (40%). Conclusions: Our very preliminary findings suggest that the majority of women had positive communication experiences, including with non-physician providers. However, clear communications gaps existed underscoring future avenues for research and care delivery interventions to address the comprehensive needs of breast cancer patients.
Protocol for the psychotherapeutic group intervention for facilitating posttraumatic growth in nonmetastatic breast cancer patients
