Abstract
Background: COVID-19 represents a threat both for the physical and psychological health of oncological patients experiencing heightened distress levels to which the fear of the virus is also added. Moreover, fear of COVID-19 could lead oncological patients to experience feelings of hopelessness related to their medical care. Patient-centered communication may act as a buffer against the aforementioned variables. This study aimed to test the role of doctor–patient communication in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hopelessness. Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a sample of 90 oncological outpatients was recruited (40 males (44.4%) and 50 females (55.6%), mean age = 66.08 (SD = 12.12)). A structured interview was developed and used during the pandemic to measure the patients’ perceived (A) fear of COVID-19, and (B) feelings of hopelessness, and (C) physicians’ use of empathetic and (D) clear language during the consultation. A multiple mediation model was tested, and the effects between males and females were also compared. Results: Empathetic and clear doctor–patient communication buffered the adverse effect of the fear of COVID-19 on hopelessness through a full-mediation model. The effects did not differ between males and females in the overall model but its indirect effects. Discussions: Patient-centered communication using empathy and clear language can buffer the adverse effect of the fear of COVID-19 and protect oncological patients from hopelessness during the pandemic. These findings might help to improve clinical oncological practice.
Highlights
Introduction iationsIn March 2020, due to the global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), theWorld Health Organization declared the situation as a pandemic [1,2,3].The COVID-19 virus can rapidly spread and it causes a potentially mortal acute respiratory syndrome [1,2,4,5,6,7]. effective preventive policies were adopted by countries worldwide, the COVID-19 epidemic continued to demonstrate a growing pattern of community transmission
Effective preventive policies were adopted by countries worldwide, the COVID-19 epidemic continued to demonstrate a growing pattern of community transmission
A good doctor–patient management [50]. They reported being scared of COVID-19 concommunication based on patient-centered communication (PCC) seems to contribute to the reduction in distress and to the tagion as well as any of its possible repercussions on cancer treatment
Summary
Introduction iationsIn March 2020, due to the global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), theWorld Health Organization declared the situation as a pandemic [1,2,3].The COVID-19 virus can rapidly spread and it causes a potentially mortal acute respiratory syndrome [1,2,4,5,6,7]. effective preventive policies were adopted by countries worldwide (i.e., social isolation, social distancing, school closures, reduction or suspension of economic activities, and curfew [8,9,10]), the COVID-19 epidemic continued to demonstrate a growing pattern of community transmission. In March 2020, due to the global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the. The COVID-19 virus can rapidly spread and it causes a potentially mortal acute respiratory syndrome [1,2,4,5,6,7]. Effective preventive policies were adopted by countries worldwide (i.e., social isolation, social distancing, school closures, reduction or suspension of economic activities, and curfew [8,9,10]), the COVID-19 epidemic continued to demonstrate a growing pattern of community transmission. Was one of the most affected countries during the outbreak, initially accounting for over 223.000 individuals infected by COVID-19 and more than 31.000 deaths [11]. In May 2021, 4.111.110 people resulted having contracted the virus, and 122.833 of them died as a consequence [12].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
