The Relationship between Therapeutic Alliance and Quality of Care in Patients with Advanced Cancer in Spain

The therapeutic alliance is an important factor in successful cancer treatment, particularly for those with advanced cancer. This study aims to determine how the therapeutic alliance relates to prognostic preferences and satisfaction with the physician and medical care among patients with advanced c...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Velasco-Durántez, Verónica, Mihic-Góngora, Luka, Coca-Membribes, Sara, Galán-Moral, Rocío, Fernández Montes, Ana, Castillo-Trujillo, Oscar, Sorribes, Elena, Quilez, Alicia, Puntí-Brun, Laura, Jiménez Fonseca, Paula, Calderón Garrido, Caterina
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/196123
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/196123
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Malalts de càncer
Terapèutica
Relacions metge-pacient
Espanya
Cancer patients
Therapeutics
Physician-patient relationships
Spain
Descripción
Sumario:The therapeutic alliance is an important factor in successful cancer treatment, particularly for those with advanced cancer. This study aims to determine how the therapeutic alliance relates to prognostic preferences and satisfaction with the physician and medical care among patients with advanced cancer. We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the therapeutic relationship, trust, satisfaction with healthcare, and prognostic preferences among 946 patients with advanced cancer at 15 tertiary hospitals in Spain. Participants completed questionnaires with self reported measures. Most were male, aged > 65 years, with bronchopulmonary (29%) or colorectal (16%) tumors and metastatic disease at diagnosis. Results revealed that 84% of patients had a good therapeutic alliance. Collaborative and affective bond was positively associated with a preference to know the prognosis and satisfaction with care and decision. There was no difference in a therapeutic alliance based on clinical or sociodemographic factors. The therapeutic alliance between patient and physician is essential for successful treatment outcomes and better overall satisfaction. Therefore, it is vital for healthcare providers to focus on establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with their patients. To achieve this, transparency and care should be prioritized, as well as respect for the preferences of patients regarding the prognosis of their illness.