Family physicians’ perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes regarding information sharing with prostate cancer patients throughout the course of the disease

Abstract

This study aimed to describe family physicians' perceptions regarding the concerns of men with prostate cancer as well as their beliefs and attitudes toward information sharing and decision making with prostate cancer patients throughout the course of their disease. A questionnaire (44 items) was mailed to 780 board-certified family physicians registered in the 2003 computerized database of Clalit Health Services, Israel's largest health maintenance organization. Three hundred eighty-two (50%) physicians completed the questionnaires. Overall, respondents believed that patients have substantial concerns throughout the cancer trajectory and that the most troubling issue is the fear of disease progression. There were no significant differences in the amount of information physicians were willing to share with patients throughout the course of the disease. Sixty-four percent of respondents stated that they would tailor the information to the patients' wishes and characteristics. Seventy percent felt competent at breaking bad news and 74% would discuss emotions with patients. Fifty-five percent of respondents preferred that patients be autonomous in their decision making. Family physicians in Israel are aware of patients' concerns and recognize the importance of sharing information with prostate cancer patients. Further studies are needed to examine the practice of these attitudes and to verify whether they are compatible with patients' expectations in the relevant cultural and ethnic context.