The influence of the physician -patient relationship on quality of life, psychological adjustment, and satisfaction in cancer patients

The objective of the present study was to examine the role of the physician-patient relationship on the cancer patient's quality of life, psychological adjustment, and satisfaction. Predictor variables included desire for behavioral and informational control over health care, perceptions of self-efficacy, perceptions of the physician's communication style, degree of complimentary between the patient and physician, and sociodemographic variables. Ninety-one cancer patients recruited from the Massey consultation with oncologist, and receiving chemotherapy during the current appointment. The study consisted of a pre-consultation phase in which cancer patients completed self-report instruments, a consultation phase in which they met with their respective oncologist, and a post-consultation phase during which time patients and physicians completed self-report measures. High desire for control over health care predicted positive quality of life and satisfaction. High sense of self-efficacy in managing health consequences was predictive of positive psychological adjustment. Collaborative and partnership-building approach perceived in the physician communication style was predictive of positive satisfaction. Desire for control over health care moderated the effects of physician communication style on quality of life and satisfaction. Self-efficacy moderated the effects of physician communication style on psychological adjustment. In contrast, sociodemographic variables (age, ethnicity, and gender) hypothesized to predict complimentary and collaboration in the physician-patient relationship were not significant. Only pre-consultation anxiety rather than the physician-patient relationship variables were predictive of significant decreases in post-consultation anxiety level.