In an analysis of over 300 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, researchers found that patients were more than twice as likely to follow recommendations for detecting cancer recurrence if they had regular patient clinician information engagement (PCIE). The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research (CECCR) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication, appears in the journal The Oncologist.
Almost half of study participants were male and half were female. They were mostly white (88.5%) with a mean age of 68 years, and most (72.5%) indicated a concern about cancer recurrence. In patient surveys conducted over the 3-year span of the study, participants reported whether they had received specific follow-up screening tests: 2 or more office visits, 2 or more serum carcinoembryonic antigen tests, and 1 colonoscopy. Researchers determined how often these procedures were performed in relation to the amount of interaction patients had with their clinicians.
Study results showed 41% of participants receiving all 3 surveillance procedures, and patients who had consistent PCIE were 2.8 times more likely to adhere to recommended follow-up tests.
According to the researchers, understanding the impact and effects of PCIE can help health professionals develop interventions for improving patient adherence through patient and provider interaction regarding cancer-related information.
Source: University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication.
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