Communication Issues in the Oncology

Résumé

Society has undergone many changes in the last decades with a direct and profound impact on the physician-patient relationship. This paper aims to analyze different communication models existing in the literature, as described up to now in different empirical studies. The issue of the communication in the oncological practice is dominated by two aspects: to tell or not to tell the diagnostic to the patient and if the answer is affirmative, the manner in which the diagnostic must be communicated. A large number of patients asserted that they prefer the physician to take their opinions into account when making a decision, reminding therefore the controversial nature of what is best for a patient. It is considered that the information offered to the patients as well as patients’ autonomy were key variables in the communication models, having a powerful impact on the patient-physician interaction. The physicians manifesting an authentic interest in the patient as person, who transmit an authentic empathy, who provide adequate and advisable information represent a source of social support for the patients. By giving the patient the opportunity to choose between his own preferences and those of his physician, the circumstances for exercising his autonomy are ensured.