Paitent empowerment and quality of life: a qualitative study on the doctors' perspective

Introduction Patient’s empowerment implies that the clinical setting is organized completely around patients’ with the aim to provide tailored clinical services. Patients who receive medical information report greater impact on, social, physical well-begin, and QoL aspects. Objectives We designed a qualitative study aimed at analyzing how doctors understand the concept of empowerment and how they implement it. Methods Participants were from Istituto Europeo di Oncologia and a semistructured interview was administered (Figure 1). Interviews were coded using content analysis for conceptual categories and emergent themes were analyzed by an in-person meeting to reach a strong consensus (α=0.86). Data were organized according to collected themes (Figure 2). Results. Participants were completely aware of the need of a new paradigm in medicine, even though a very limited knowledge of what empowerment really implies was observed. Patients are not considered completely ready to take clinical decisions, the use of Internet is often considered dangerous, because patients acquire information not always related to their clinical situation. QoL plays a fundamental role in guiding clinical choices, but they any systematic instrument to measure it is in place. Psycho-oncologists aren’t consulted to monitor QoL issues and emotional unmet needs. Conclusions Patient empowerment is a problem. The doctor/patient relationship is fundamental even if a lack of the proper skills to manage it is present. The need of a specific education in patient empowerment implementation and in the management of communication is needed.