Journal: Journal of surgical oncology
This scoping review examines what matters most to patients about communication in surgical oncology, drawing on 15 primary studies. The authors organize patient perspectives into six key domains:
- Emotional support, optimism, and surgeon demeanor
Patients value surgeons who convey empathy, warmth, and appropriate optimism while maintaining honesty. The interpersonal style and emotional presence of the surgeon strongly influence trust and patient comfort.
- Patient expectations and expectation setting
Clear, upfront discussion of what surgery can and cannot achieve is central. Patients want realistic information about recovery, risks, potential complications, and likely benefits so their expectations align with probable outcomes.
- Communication aids or tools
Tools such as written materials, diagrams, decision aids, or digital resources can improve understanding and recall. Patients generally appreciate communication supports that supplement verbal explanations.
- Shared decision-making
Patients favor a collaborative approach, in which their values, preferences, and life circumstances are actively elicited and incorporated into surgical decisions, rather than a purely paternalistic or purely patient-driven model.
- Prognosis and oncologic outcomes
Patients want honest, comprehensible discussions about prognosis and oncologic goals (cure vs control vs palliation), including probabilities of recurrence and survival, while still maintaining hope where appropriate.
- Appearances and office setting
The physical environment and perceived professionalism of the clinic or office (organization, privacy, comfort) also shape communication experiences and how seriously patients feel their concerns are taken.
Overall, the review highlights that effective communication in surgical oncology is multidimensional, extending beyond information transfer to encompass emotional support, expectation management, shared decision-making, and the broader clinical environment from the patient’s perspective.