The significance of the doctor-patient relationship in coping with cancer

Eric Molleman, Pieter J. Krabbendam, Albertus A. Annyas, Heimen Schraffordt Koops, Dirk Th. Sleijfer and Albert Vermey

Social Science & Medicine, 1984, vol. 18, issue 6, 475-480

Abstract: The uncertainty and anxiety experienced by cancer patients and their ways of coping with uncertainty and anxiety were studied on the basis of a questionnaire completed by 418 patients. The study shows that 28.2% of the patients had a low and 33.5% had a high uncertainty score, while 50% had a low and 9% had a high anxiety score. Four ways of coping with uncertainty and anxiety can be distinguished, of which the use of self-instruction means was most common. Expert help proved to be important for reduction of uncertainty. For reduction of anxiety the support of the home environment and of fellow-patients was also of importance. The implications of these findings for the doctor's performance and for the care of cancer patients are discussed.

Date: 1984
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