Communication for Early-Stage Cancer Patients’ Decision to Choose a Modern Medical Treatment at the Prapokklao Center of Excellence on Cancer Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some cancer patients had refused to received modern medicine treatment, some of them had relapsed and progress into advanced disease. If they receive modern medicine treatment, they should have better survival time.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse concern of Early-Stage Cancer Patients which refused to receive modern medicine treatment, to analyse messages from the Prapokklao Center of Excellence on Cancer and to synthesise the guideline for Communication for Early-Stage Cancer Patients’ Decision to Choose a Modern Medical Treatment.

MEDTHODS: The methodology involves the use of qualitative research via documentary research, in-depth interview 3 groups which are 20 cases of patients who receive modern medical treatment, 20 cases of alternative medicine, medicine oncology, surgeon, radiologist, nurses, pharmacists who work in Prapokklao Center of Excellence. Research tools are interview forms and analyse the context.

RESULTS: This study found that there were 9 concerns. They were worries about side-effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, costs of the treatment, bad experiences from chemotherapy treatment, unfit bodies, burdens to family, mental instability, belief that cancer cannot be cured by modern medical treatments, and easy access to herbal medicine. The study also found 4 major : lack of knowledge, high costs of treatment, lack of decision-making power and a lack of physical and mental readiness on the part of patients. Messages from doctors and staff designed to relieve these concerns were uncoordinated. Communication guidelines for promoting the decision to correct the causes for concern were unclear. Therefore, a concrete communication approach should be established. Combining the introduction of communication guidelines with other medical services and recommendations for public health may increase the likelihood of curing patients’ cancers.

CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate communication guidelines for Early-Stage Cancer Patients’ Decision to Choose a Modern Medical Treatment at the Prapokklao Center of Excellence on Cancer Chanthaburi Province. This can be done with the cooperation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and survivor group. Together, provide information to reduce the cause of concerns which create good motivation and making decision to choose modern medical treatment easier.