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  • Title: Disclosure of cancer diagnosis: the Greek experience.
    Author: Tsoussis S, Papadogiorgaki M, Markodimitraki E, Delibaltadakis G, Strevinas A, Psyllakis M, Tabakaki K, Drossitis I, Kabourakis A, Papadimitraki E, Krypotos S, Daskalakis K, Fragiadaki G, Zoumadaki E, Apostolakis S.
    Journal: J BUON; 2013; 18(2):516-26. PubMed ID: 23818371.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To analyze the attitude of Greek health professionals towards truth disclosure and factors that may influence it. METHODS: Through a self-completed questionnaire, we studied the attitudes over the initial disclosure of cancer diagnosis to cancer patients of 132 doctors and 123 nurses, partly involved in cancer patients' care, in 5 general hospitals of Crete, Greece. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of the participants considered information as patient's right and 88% as professional's ethical duty, 64% believed that the whole truth should be revealed, 90% avoided the word "cancer" in the communication and 39% disclosed cancer diagnosis at patient's direct asking. Respondents informed 1/10 of their new cancer patients, mainly due to perceived limited responsibility (23%), patient's low cognitive state (22%), fear of harming the patient (17%) and relatives' objection (15%). Sixteen percent of fellows acknowledged to themselves the responsibility to inform patients. Cooperation, compliance and arrangement of patient's personal issues were considered as benefits from accurate disclosure (88%, 83% and 75%, respectively), the latter more among doctors than nurses (p=0.01) and medical than surgical professionals (p=0.03). Thirty-six percent of the respondents considered the presence of a psychologist necessary during disclosure, nurses more than doctors (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite adequate theoretical background, Greek non-cancer specialists, doctors and nurses, initially inform accurately a small part of their cancer patients. Appropriate training programs for doctors and non-medical health professionals involved in cancer patients' management are required to upgrade professional-patient communication.
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