TO INFORM OR NOT TO INFORM about venous thromboembolisms – A qualitative study on communication between healthcare professionals and patients with lung cancer
Camilla Berggreen a)1), Jonas Hermann Schrøder a)1), Thomas Christensen a), Weronika Maria Szejniuk b)c), Mette Søgaard d), Anette Arbjerg Højen d), Lone Jørgensen b)e)
a – Department of Health Science and Technology, Public Health and Epidemiology, Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfsvej 245, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
b – Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfsvej 245, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
c – Department of Oncology & Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
d – Danish Center for Health Services Research, Aalborg University Hospital, Sdr. Skovvej 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
e – Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Sdr. Skovvej 15, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Abstract
Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among cancer patients. Despite this, studies show that patients with cancer feel inadequately informed about the VTE risk and symptoms, which may impede their ability to recognise symptoms and react promptly. Patients with lung cancer are especially vulnerable due to a high relative risk of developing VTE combined with a high prevalence of low health literacy. This study aimed to explore the VTE information needs of lung cancer patients and how patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) communicate about VTE.
Material and methods
Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with patients with lung cancer and HCPs. All participants (n = 20) were recruited from an oncological department. The analysis was performed in an inductive manner using a Ricoeur inspired strategy.
Findings
Patients had varying information needs regarding VTE, but HCPs did not routinely communicate about VTE, as the topic tended to be lowly prioritised. HCPs communicated about VTE when patients expressed a need or presented symptoms of VTE. HCPs expressed concerns about adding to patient’s emotional burden by informing about VTE, while some patients emphasised the importance of being mentally prepared for potential complications.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates the challenging balance HCPs must maintain between adequately communicating about VTE and not causing undue psychological distress. However, given patient’s often limited awareness of VTE, the responsibility to initiate communication about VTE must fall on the HCPs.