Journal of oncology practice
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Use of the word "cure" in cancer care reflects a balance of physician and patient optimism, realism, medico-legal concerns, and even superstition. This study surveyed a group of oncology specialists regarding the frequency and determinants of using the word cure. ⋯ Oncology clinicians report that patients are hesitant to ask whether they are cured, and the clinicians are hesitant to tell patients they are cured. Annual oncology follow-up was frequently endorsed, even after 20 years in remission.
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Communicating about the end of life with patients has been reported as one of the most difficult and stressful part of the work of oncologists. Despite this fact, oncologists receive little training in this area, and many do not communicate effectively with patients. The purpose of this analysis, part of a larger study examining oncologists' experiences of patient loss, was to explore oncologists' communication strategies and communication barriers when discussing end-of-life issues with patients. ⋯ We conclude by drawing implications from our study and suggest that further research and intervention are necessary to aid oncologists in achieving effective communication about end-of-life issues.
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In the 1990s, several organizations began recommending evaluation of > 12 lymph nodes during colon resection because of its association with improved survival. We examined practice implications of multispecialty quality guidelines over the past 20 years recommending evaluation of ≥ 12 lymph nodes during colon resection for adequate staging. ⋯ The implementation of lymph node evaluation guidelines was accepted gradually into practice but adopted more quickly among higher risk patients. By identifying patients who are least likely to receive guideline-recommended care, these findings present a starting point for promoting targeted improvements in cancer care and further understanding underlying contributors to these disparities.