Does writing a list help cancer patients ask relevant questions?

Jones, R., Pearson, J., McGregor, S., Barrett, A., Gilmour, W.H., Atkinson, J.M., Cawsey, A.J. and McEwen, J. (2002) Does writing a list help cancer patients ask relevant questions? Patient Education and Counseling, 47(4), pp. 369-371. (doi: 10.1016/S0738-3991(02)00011-3)

Abstract

We examined the use of written lists to give patients an opportunity to have their questions answered. Patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for cancer were given a sheet of paper with the simple prompt to write questions and give to the hospital doctor at their appointment 3 weeks later. At 3 months, patients were asked about their use and opinions of the written list. About half of the 478 patients attended with a written list. Fewer patients living in deprived areas used the list compared to more affluent areas. Doctors thought that 34% of patients would not otherwise have asked those questions and 91% of prompted discussions were a worthwhile use of time.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Atkinson, Professor Jacqueline and Gilmour, Mr Harper and McEwen, Professor James
• Authors: Jones, R., Pearson, J., McGregor, S., Barrett, A., Gilmour, W.H., Atkinson, J.M., Cawsey, A.J., and McEwen, J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine; R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: Patient Education and Counseling
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0738-3991
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2002 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Patient Education and Counseling 47(4):369-371
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher