Role of the Surgeon in De-Escalating Emotion During a Breast Cancer Surgery Consultation: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Experiences in Alliance A231701CD.

Abstract

Background: Patient engagement in decision making can improve satisfaction with care. Studies demonstrate that patients' emotional states can be significant barriers to engaging in shared decision making.

Objective: We sought to examine how emotion associated with a breast cancer diagnosis impacts patient experiences during the surgical consultation, and explore opportunities for surgeons to mitigate the impact of emotion.

Methods: We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with patients who participated in the decision aid arm of Alliance A231701CD, had low engagement, and experienced barriers to engagement. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze the interview data and organize it into overarching themes.

Results: Participants recalled strong emotions with their diagnosis, describing it as devastating and shocking. Although several participants said that their emotional reaction to the diagnosis lessened over time, others expressed still feeling very anxious. Participants described ways in which their surgeon helped to de-escalate their emotional state, beginning with the establishment of rapport and continuing through treatment planning. Participants valued surgeons who they perceived to be personable and compassionate, treated them as an individual, provided reassuring and matter-of-fact information about their cancer, and efficiently communicated plans for next steps.

Conclusions: Patients with breast cancer are often emotionally overwhelmed during their surgical consults, which impedes their ability to listen and participate in decision making. However, surgeon behaviors can help de-escalate emotions. Addressing emotion is critical to support patients in reaching a decision for breast cancer surgery and is likely to improve patient satisfaction with the decision process.

Clinical trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03766009.