Breast cancer patient experiences with and preferences for time alone with their cancer care team.
Elizabeth Broadbridge, Maria K Venetis, Katie A Devine and 2 others
PMID 40398317WHAT IT FOUND
Most breast cancer patients had some time alone with their care team, and both groups said 10–15 minutes alone was typical.
Current patients reported fewer such visits than former patients, but about 1 in 4 current and 1 in 3 former raised private topics.
Key findings
01Most current and former breast cancer patients reported having time alone with their care team during some to most visits, and they said the frequency was about right.
02Current patients reported fewer instances of time alone than former patients, but when they had time alone both groups reported about 10–15 minutes.
03About 1 in 4 current and 1 in 3 former patients reported asking different questions or raising topics they would not want to discuss with their companion present.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was relatively homogeneous and mostly non-Hispanic white, married or living as married, and highly educated, so it may not reflect breast cancer patients in the United States. Participants were recruited from a research registry and may have been especially involved and motivated. Only patients who sometimes or regularly attended visits with a companion were included, so the study does not describe patients who usually attend alone. The study was a cross-sectional survey, so it cannot show that offering time alone improves communication or care. Patients reported experiences retrospectively, so answers may reflect most recent encounters rather than their overall experience. Some completed surveys were excluded (n = 40 for completing less than 80% of the survey, n = 17 for a non-breast cancer diagnosis, and n = 3 for male breast cancer), and the no-time-alone group was small (n = 38).
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The paper does not state a study sponsor or funding source. Recruitment used the Love Research Army registry hosted by the Dr. Susan Love Foundation, and participants could enter a drawing for one of three $50 gift cards.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that all breast cancer patients need more time alone or that companions block disclosure. Most patients said the frequency of time alone was about right, and the main reason patients had no time alone was that they did not want it.