Empathy In Cancer Communication

Empathy in cancer communication is key to favor comprehensive patient care.  Elements as important as the proximity of health professionals, understanding and an appropriate socio-emotional approach make it easier for the person to face the reality of their situation much better, as well as the different treatments to which they must undergo.

We all, in some more or less close way, know what it means to receive a cancer diagnosis. Likewise, something that must be taken into account is that cancer is still a “disease” and that far from being an end, it is actually a beginning. A decisive beginning where

That beginning will involve two things: facing one or more treatments and applying appropriate psychological and emotional strategies to face the hard day to day. In this way and throughout this process, the relationship with health personnel is vital and a priority.  Hence, it is also necessary for them to be able to give the best in their profession.

Empathy in cancer communication is an artery of health, a daily and strong bond established between that doctor-patient or healthcare-patient relationship. Its absence causes patients to be treated with disinterest, in a protocol or worse, coldly. Attitudes and behavior that negatively impact the affected person, leaving them completely defenseless.

Oncology communication, key to health

The healthcare professionals and the healthcare system are exceptional. His work and dedication to the patient are commendable. They are innate givers of well-being and above all, of know-how. However, we also know that not all countries have the same luck, since both access to the health system and the development of adequate care and assistance protocols are not implemented with the same quality.

Just as an example, certain communication and psycho-emotional skills with patients have been applied in Spain for years, while in the United States, and just as an example, cancer communication and its proper application in each medical center is something relatively new. There will be exceptions, there is no doubt, and this will depend above all on the human quality of each professional. However, it has been since 2016 when different studies on the subject have begun to appear.

The objective of all these works and publications is elementary as well as a priority: the need to train healthcare personnel in oncology communication skills. Beyond the capacities and abilities that each one has in their profession, communication skills and those related to emotional psychology “do not come from the factory”. It is necessary to train them and it is a priority that health professionals receive adequate and specific training for this delicate and complex area.

Skills to be developed in cancer communication

Oncological communication implies not only “knowing how to hear”, but above all how to communicate, how to respond and how to intuit the needs of the patient. Likewise, and no less important, it also means knowing how to deploy resources and adequate strategies for each person in particular. All of this will ensure comprehensive patient care and good care that, most of the time, goes far beyond treatment and surgical interventions.

Thus, there are 3 key skills that define cancer communication.

Know how to communicate and know how to ask

Health professionals know that they will have to deliver bad news on a regular basis: diagnose cancer, report a necessary operation, communicate that a certain treatment does not work or that the disease, instead of remitting, is progressing. They are not easy situations for anyone and the doctor must be trained in this type of communication.

On the other hand, “informing” is not always enough. The health professional must also know how to ask the patient questions to find out if they have understood the information, intuit how they have assimilated it and identify what needs they present or what complementary assistance they should receive, in addition to the ordinary ones (for example, psychological care).

Empathy

Doctors, nurses, assistants … All the staff of a medical center and more in the oncology area know that empathy is key with patients. Emotional tension, blockages, fears, defensive attitudes (and even anger) are present both in those affected and in their families and that is something that they must know how to manage.

Shared Decision Making Models (TDC)

Shared decision-making models are another backbone in medical care. These involve involving the patients themselves in their health care, so that they do not see the figure of the doctor as someone who makes decisions unilaterally and in whom all authority rests.

According to these models, the patient and his family must be participants at all times and be involved in every step. In this way, they  will decide together with the medical team and will also assume the commitment to continue working, fighting and actively advancing.

Now, for this to happen and the daily work between doctor-patient to be harmonious, professionals must be qualified and trained in this type of model.

As we can see,  oncological communication is a priority factor in the adequate care of the person diagnosed with cancer . Beyond what we may believe, the constant fight to defeat the disease is not the task of one alone. Family and social support, as well as correct and quality health care make up that circle of power where to give encouragement and hope to the person who undoubtedly deserves everything.