ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) utilization is linked to improved clinical outcomes among breast cancer survivors (BCS); yet, AET adherence rates remain suboptimal. Little is known about provider perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators to AET-related symptom management (SM). In this study, we examined provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to AET-related SM among BCS and opportunities for improvement. METHODS: We conducted three focus groups (FGs) with a multidisciplinary group of healthcare providers (n = 13) experienced in caring for BCS undergoing AET. We utilized semi-structured discussion guides to elicit provider perspectives on AET-related SM. FGs were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative software to identify key themes. RESULTS: Providers described patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers and facilitators to AET-related SM. At the patient-level, barriers included competing demands, limited time/resources, and possible misattribution of some symptoms to AET, while family/social relationships and insurance emerged as important facilitators. Discomfort with SM, limited time, and challenges distinguishing AET-related symptoms from other conditions were key provider-level barriers. Provider-level facilitators included routine symptom documentation and strong provider relationships. Care fragmentation and complexity of the cancer care delivery system were described as system-level barriers; however, survivor clinics were endorsed by providers. CONCLUSIONS: Provider perspectives on AET-related SM can shed light on SM barriers and facilitators spanning multiple levels of the cancer care delivery system. Strategies for improving AET-related SM in BCS include increasing patients' knowledge and engagement in SM, equipping providers with efficient SM strategies, and improving coordination of symptom-related services through survivorship programs.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Palliative Care/methods , Attitude of Health Personnel , Breast Neoplasms/physiopathology , Breast Neoplasms, Male/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms, Male/physiopathology , Breast Neoplasms, Male/psychology , Cancer Survivors , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/adverse effects , Female , Focus Groups , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient ComplianceABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Providers' communication skills play a key role in encouraging breast cancer survivors to report symptoms and adhere to long-term treatments such as adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). The purpose of this study was to examine provider perspectives on patient-provider communication regarding AET symptom management and to explore whether provider perspectives vary across the multi-disciplinary team of providers involved in survivorship care. METHODS: We conducted three one-hour focus groups with a multi-disciplinary group of health care providers including oncology specialists, primary care physicians, and non-physician providers experienced in caring for breast cancer survivors undergoing AET (n = 13). Themes were organized using Epstein and Street's (2007) Framework for Patient-Centered Communication in Cancer Care. RESULTS: The findings of this study suggest providers' communication behaviors including managing survivors' uncertainty, responding to survivors' emotions, exchanging information, and enabling self-management influences the quality of patient-provider communication about AET symptoms. Additionally, lack of systematic symptom assessment tools for AET requires providers to use discretion in determining which symptoms to discuss with survivors resulting in approaches that vary based on providers' discipline. CONCLUSION: There may be AET-specific provider communication skills and behaviors that promote effective patient-provider communication but additional research is needed to identify practices and policies that encourage these skills and behaviors among the many providers involved in survivorship care. Efforts are also needed to coordinate AET symptom assessment across providers, clarify providers' roles in symptom assessment, and determine best practices for AET symptom communication.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Communication , Professional-Patient Relations , Aromatase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Female , Focus Groups , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Care Team , Survivors/psychologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To conduct an investigation of women's experiences related to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) and managing AET-related symptoms. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative, focus group design. SETTING: Main campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: 14 breast cancer survivors, aged 50 years or older, with AET-related symptoms. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured discussion guides were used to elicit recollections of conversations with healthcare providers about starting AET, symptom experiences, symptom management, and suggestions for improving management. Audiotaped discussions were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes. FINDINGS: Women reported that, initially, AET was not viewed as a choice, but rather as the necessary next step to save their lives. After starting AET, women experienced difficulties making sense of, communicating about, and managing unanticipated AET-related symptoms. Women who experienced persistently bothersome symptoms began weighing the pros and cons of AET to decide whether to continue treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Focus group findings suggest multiple opportunities to better prepare patients for AET and to improve assessment and management of AET-related symptoms. INTERPRETATION: By exploring AET-related symptom experiences, nurses may be able to promote AET adherence in breast cancer survivors.
