Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients in Lagos State

Abstract

The study titled, “Influence of doctor-patient communication on diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients in Lagos State” assessed the nature and quality of communication between medical doctors and breast cancer patients. The study also evaluated the influence of doctor-patient communication on the patients’ coping mechanism to their condition. Critical awareness raising theory serves the theoretical framework for the study. This study employed the qualitative research approach, which informed the choice of in-depth interview as instrument for data collection. A sample size of 6 medical doctors and 6 breast cancer patients at Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) oncology clinic were used for the study. The findings revealed that the nature of communications between doctors and breast cancer patients is mainly face to face as most of the medical doctors failed to call the patients after consultation or give the patients health texts or audio-visuals and other resources that could boost their understanding of their condition and treatment procedure. It also found that although the doctors felt the quality of their communication with the patients were clear, empathetic, and resonated with the patients’ needs, the patients felt it was inadequate because some of the doctors hardly gave them enough time to explain themselves thoroughly during consultation session. The study also found that quality communication with their doctors eased the stress and anxieties associated with the patients’ health condition and their treatment process and enhanced their coping mechanisms. The study concludes that when the nature and quality of communication with their doctors is merely