Patient-health care provider communication among patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: findings from a population-based survey

Objective: To examine the multidimensional concept of patient-health care provider (HCP) communication, its effects on patient satisfaction with oncology care services, and related racial differences.

Methods: The current analysis draws from a population-based survey sample of 1011 African American and 1034 Caucasian American men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The variables of satisfaction with health care services, interpersonal treatment, contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication were analyzed using multiple-group structural equation modeling.

Results: Regardless of race, patient-HCP communication was related positively to interpersonal treatment by the HCP, HCP's contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication. More positive patient-HCP communication was related to more satisfaction with health care services. Racial differences were significant in the relationships between patient-HCP communication and prostate cancer communication.

Conclusion: Content and interpersonal relationships are important aspects of patient-HCP communication and affect patient satisfaction with oncologic care for prostate cancer.

Practice implications: HCPs need to integrate the transfer of information with emotional support and interpersonal connection when they communicate with men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.