Information needs of female Italian breast cancer patients during their first oncological consultation

PURPOSE: Questions asked by patients during consultations reflect their most immediate information needs. The aim of this study is to observe the frequency and type of questions asked by Italian breast cancer patients and to explore associated factors. METHODS: Breast cancer patients at their first meeting with the oncologist were asked to complete five questionnaires (STAI-X1, PHQ-9, GHQ-12, CPS and DSES) before the consultation and three other questionnaires (PEI, SDM-Q, SWD) after. Consultations were audio taped and subsequently analyzed for the content and number of questions to identify patients' information requests. RESULTS: Patients asked an average of 18 questions, mainly about illness management: patients who were prescribed chemo-therapy asked more questions (t = -3.17, dof = 23.45, p < 0.01). Other factors related to a greater number of questions were younger age (r = -0.24, p = 0.05), being employed (t-test = 0.32; p = 0.04), and longer consultation length (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Italian breast cancer patients asked on average more questions than in other countries. Knowledge of the factors associated with information needs can contribute to achieve a major involvement and consequently a better quality of patient-centered care