Abstract
BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal and rare disease that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Treatment and care requests made by MPM patients to their physicians were collected and analyzed.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was part of a larger study (N = 133) regarding the quality of life of MPM patients. Specific responses to two open-ended questions related to patients’ requests regarding treatment and care were quantified, analyzed and divided into categories based on content.ResultsResponses (N = 217) from MPM patients (N = 73) were categorized into 24 subcategories and then abstracted into 6 categories. The majority of requests were related to patient-physician communication. Patients wanted clear and understandable explanations about MPM and wanted their physician to deliver treatment based on the patient’s perspective by accepting and empathizing with their anxiety and pain. Patients expected physicians to be dedicated to their care and establish an improved medical support system for MPM patients.ConclusionPatients with MPM had a variety of unmet needs from their physicians. Physicians who provide care to MPM patients should receive training in both communication skills and stress management. A multidisciplinary care system that includes respiratory and palliative care for MPM patients should be established.
Highlights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal and rare disease that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos
Additional questionnaires were mailed in March 2016 to 94 MPM patients who were identified through patient and family support groups, which have 15 branches in Japan
The style of communication requested by patients with MPM was similar to studies of other cancers: a two-way exchange of information [19, 20]; and communication to provide the patient with data [21, 22]
Summary
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal and rare disease that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is considered one of the main causes of work-related deaths with one-half of these deaths attributable to cancers, including malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) [1]. The number of deaths from MPM in Japan was greater than 1400 in 2015 [2]. This number is expected to grow by 2040 [3]. MPM is fatal [4, 5] and causes debilitating physical symptoms, such as pain, dyspnea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sweating [6].
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