What Do Gynaecological-Oncological Patients Expect From Their Physician And What Are Their Experiences? A Qualitative Test With 50 Patients

Introduction and Question: Oncological patients' expectations have never been systematically recorded and to date there have been no studies comparing what the patients expect and what they actually experience. This comparison could show discrepancies that would in turn help doctors to enhance interaction with their patients.Method and Sample: The expectations and experiences of 50 patients with the diagnosis Ca in situ, FIGO I and II were recorded using problem-oriented dialogue. The dialogue took place before the biopsy and 6 months after the primary treatment. The data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis.Results: Because of the nature of the study as a means of generating hypotheses the findings are mostly descriptive. Nearly all of the patients' expectations can categorised in four hierarchical groups: Expectations toward the doctor as the problem-solving medical expert, as a source of information, as an organiser of diagnostics and therapy and to a lesser degree as a psychosocial supporter in the coping process. The duality of the doctor-patient interaction seems to be the result of these expectations. The expectations regarding the doctor as an expert in oncological questions were met. This was influenced by the course of the illness with no recurrences. On the other hand most of the patients were disappointed with the information they received and the almost complete lack of psychosocial support and organisation.Conclusion: Oncological patients do not have expectations that are impossible for the doctor to fulfil. Shortcomings in the organisation of the patients' treatment call for improvements in organisation and procedures. Deficiencies in education call for training of the doctors, the psychosocial support that the patients' demand can only be fulfilled by enhancing the doctors' competence in this field.