Table 2 Requests to Physicians by MPM Patients (217 requests; N = 73)
From: Physician requests by patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in Japan
Categories | Times mentioned | % of Sample | |
|---|---|---|---|
Subcategories | |||
1. Understandable explanation to meet the patient’s needs | 80 | ||
1.1 | Explain the cause of the symptoms, curability and prognosis of the disease, and provide a treatment plan | 41 | 56.2 |
1.2 | Use simple words | 12 | 16.4 |
1.3 | Explain the purpose, benefits, risk and results of examinations | 10 | 14.0 |
1.4 | Inform about all treatment options | 10 | 14.0 |
1.5 | Give advice about daily activities | 3 | 4.1 |
1.6 | Spend enough time on explanations | 2 | 2.7 |
1.7 | Confirm patient’s understanding and allow them to ask questions | 2 | 2.7 |
2. Patient-centered treatment | 39 | ||
2.1 | Minimize the physical impact of treatment | 11 | 15.1 |
2.2 | Do not give up on the treatment | 10 | 14.0 |
2.3 | Respect patient’s intention | 9 | 12.3 |
2.4 | Careful clinical assessment to not miss clinical signs of progression | 9 | 12.3 |
3. Improvement of treatment and support systems for MPM | 35 | ||
3.1 | Develop country-wide specialized care system | 16 | 21.9 |
3.2 | Develop new drugs | 10 | 14.0 |
3.3 | Improve information systems | 9 | 12.3 |
4. Emotional support | 32 | ||
4.1 | Be kind and cheerful | 11 | 15.1 |
4.2 | Sympathize with patient’s anxiety | 10 | 14.0 |
4.3 | Have a reliable attitude | 6 | 8.2 |
4.4 | Empathy for victims of asbestos | 3 | 4.1 |
4.5 | Visit patient as often as possible | 2 | 2.7 |
5. Customize “breaking the bad news” | 24 | ||
5.1 | Tell everything including bad news | 17 | 23.3 |
5.2 | Do not inform about bad news | 5 | 6.8 |
5.3 | Customize the contents and the way of informing | 2 | 2.7 |
6. Dedication to the treatment of MPM | 7 | ||
6.1 | Confront intractable disease | 4 | 5.4 |
6.2 | Learn about MPM | 3 | 4.1 |