Study on changes in patients' needs to understand treatment plan and its risks according to diagnosis phase

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460610
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Medical sociology
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Okamoto Sawako 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 学内講師 (20721385)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: ニーズの変容 / リスク理解 / 説明のタイミング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study showed that there was no difference in patients' needs from their doctors according to the treatment phases. At diagnosis, they feel anxiety strongly, and doctors need to address this anxiety before explaining the treatment plan. Patients desired more proactive involvement with their doctor such as having time with their doctor to discuss as needed, instead of having a long-winded explanation from their doctor. Cancer patients showed more support-seeking attitudes than diabetic and rheumatoid arthritis patients who tended not to ask for help. Most patients seemed to easily comprehend their doctor’s explanations about treatment and risks, but a sizable minority were unable to visualize the disease progression. However, they were unable to speak out about what they did not understand. At this stage, the patients required supplementary explanation from other medical staff.

Free Research Field

リスクコミュニケーション