Why Cancer Doctors Have Trouble Talking About Death
Why Cancer Doctors Have Trouble Talking About Death
June 7, 2013
A group of oncologists have revealed in a new study by BGU researchers that one of the most difficult and stressful parts of their work is communicating with their patients about death and dying.
However, despite the difficulty, these doctors receive little training in this area and many don’t communicate clearly with their patients.
“Through study, it became apparent that there is tension between what are perceived to be good communication strategies and the significant number of barriers to implementing them,” says Dr. Leeat Granek of BGU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
The barriers to good physician-patient communication fell in three main categories: physician factors, patient factors and institutional factors.
The physician factors included personal discomfort with death and dying, diffusion of responsibility among colleagues, lack of experience and mentorship, to name a few.
“Further research and intervention are necessary to help oncologists achieve effective communication about end-of-life issues,” adds Dr. Granek.
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