"What do you mean, a spot?" Physicians MUST communicate with their patients about lung nodules. And patients: ask questions! Do NOT leave the doctor's office confused

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22814873

Chest. 2012 Jul 17. doi: 10.1378/chest.12-1095. [Epub ahead of print]

"What do you mean, a spot?": A qualitative analysis of patients' reactions to discussions with their doctors about pulmonary nodules.

Wiener RS, Gould MK, Woloshin S, Schwartz LM, Clark JA.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Over 150,000 Americans each year are found to have a pulmonary nodule. Even more will be affected following the publication of the National Lung Screening Trial. Patient-doctor communication about pulmonary nodules can be challenging: most are benign but some are malignant, and it may take 2-3 years to rule out cancer. We sought to characterize patients' perceptions of communication with their providers about pulmonary nodules.

METHODS:

We conducted 4 focus groups at 2 sites with 22 adults with an indeterminate pulmonary nodule. Transcripts were analyzed using principles of grounded theory.

RESULTS:

Patients described conversations with 53 different providers about the pulmonary nodule. Almost all patients immediately assumed they had cancer when first told about the nodule. Some patients whose providers did not discuss the actual cancer risk or explain the evaluation plan experienced confusion and distress that sometimes lasted months. Patients were frustrated when their providers did not address their concerns aboutcancer or potential adverse effects of surveillance (e.g., prolonged uncertainty, radiation exposure), which in some cases led to poor adherence. Patients found it helpful when doctors used lay terms, showed the CT image, and quantified cancer risk; by contrast, patients resented medical jargon and dismissive language.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients commonly assume that a pulmonary nodule means cancer. What providers tell (or don't tell) patients about their cancer risk and the evaluation plan can strongly influence patients' perceptions of the nodule and related distress. We describe simple communication strategies that may help patients come to terms with an indeterminate pulmonary nodule.