Communication of the Diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Views of Patients and Family Members, a Qualitative Analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022;
19:16935. [PMID:
36554814 PMCID:
PMC9779701 DOI:
10.3390/ijerph192416935]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Communicating the diagnosis of a genetic and neurodegenerative disease, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), requires a transmission centered on the patient and/or the family caregiver, ensuring autonomy to those involved and strengthening the doctor-patient relationship.
OBJECTIVE
Analyzing the communication of the SMA diagnosis from the perspective of patients and family members.
METHODS
This qualitative study was developed through semi-structured interviews, via teleconsultation. The analysis was developed by systematically condensing the answers and synthesizing them into four thematic axes (clarification of the diagnosis, communication of the prognosis, affective memory related to the event, and advice to physicians).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Twenty-nine patients with SMA and 28 family caregivers of people with this condition, from all regions of Brazil, reported that individualized, clear, honest, and welcoming communication, emphasizing positive aspects, in the presence of family members and with the possibility of continuous monitoring, was important to meeting their communication needs. A lack of empathy, monitoring and guidance, and estimating life expectancy resulted in negative experiences.
CONCLUSIONS
The communication needs of patients and family members described during the clarification of the diagnosis and prognosis of SMA predominantly involve empathic factors related to the attitude of the attending physician throughout the evolution of the disease. Future research evaluating other neurodegenerative diseases and the development of research protocols are important to improving communication between physicians, patients, and family members.
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