A qualitative study of the Omani physicians’ lived experience with truth disclosure to cancer patient

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this phenomenological Qualitative Study is to gain an in depth understanding of the nature and meaning of the experiences of physicians in relation to truth disclosure and ethics of veracity when diagnosing cancer. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews was conducted at Sultan Qaboos university hospital (SQUH), l to explore the Omani Physicians’ lived experiences with truth disclosure in patients who were diagnosed with cancer. The target population for this study is Omani physicians working in SQUH. The total of four participants was involved in this study. Results: Three essential themes were generated through the analysis of the participants’ descriptions of their perceptions and lived experiences as the following with their subthemes: the first theme is the clinical aspect of the experiences with three subthemes: 1) The ethical aspect and the physician’s attitude; 2) The strategy of breaking bad news; 3) Training and breaking bad news. The second theme is Cultural diversity with three subthemes: 1) Relatives preference; 2) The patient education; 3) The hospital setting. The third theme is the emotional aspect of the experiences with five subthemes: 1) Emotional sadness; 2) Personal grief; 3) Other emotions; 4) The positive emotions; 5) Control of the emotions. Conclusion: This study recommends: to build up appropriate measures and guidelines on the subject of truth telling and medical ethics, and to provide more training for the health care providers in the context of breaking bad news. In addition to add to the curriculum of medical colleges the basic ethical principles relevant to medical practice. Finally, to establish medical social work departments in SQUH, and other healthcare institutions in Oman.