Doctor-patient communication in HNC patients of varying SES
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Influence of the Patient Concerns Inventory in the communication of head and neck cancer patients with healthcare professionals across the socioeconomic gradient
IRAS ID
205087
Contact name
Sarah Allen
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer experience a number of serious needs either as a direct result of the cancer or due to treatment. These needs can be addressed if the patient informs a healthcare professional, however if they do not the concern can go untreated and potentially result in worse physical and emotional wellbeing.
Research has found that individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop head and neck cancer than those higher up the socioeconomic gradient, and tend to experience worse physical symptoms and impairments as well as more emotional distress as a result of head and neck cancer. Studies suggest that there are socioeconomic differences in doctor-patient communication, with low socioeconomic status (SES) individuals asking fewer questions and expressing their opinion less often than high SES patients, as well as doctors involving low SES patients less actively in the consultation. Because of these communication differences low SES patients may find it more difficult to express their concerns to a healthcare professional, which may explain why such patients experience worse quality of life. Therefore low SES patients have the potential for a number of unmet needs.
A number of theories have been proposed to explain SES differences in health and doctor-patient communication. However none of these theories have been tested with head and neck cancer patients, therefore the reasons behind SES differences in doctor-patient communication have not yet been studied with this population.
This study aims to provide more detail about the patient-reported factors underpinning SES differences in doctor-patient communication with head and neck cancer survivors. This will help researchers explore the reasons why some patients feel more inclined to express certain concerns to a healthcare professional than others.
The study will involve observing and audiotaping head and neck oncology review consultations and interviewing patients afterwards about their appointment.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0474
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion