Divergent perspectives: A cross-sectional study unveiling disparities in cancer patients' and oncology nurses' perceptions on communication and empathy

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the relationship between cancer patients' perceptions and oncology nurses' self-assessments of communication skills and empathy, and investigate the influence of patients' factors on these perceptions.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a paired sampling approach (1:2 ratio) with 168 oncology nurses and 336 cancer patients. It assessed patients' perceptions and nurses' self-assessments of nurse-expressed communication and empathy. The study examined the relationship with patients' demographic (age, gender, education level, occupational status, and marital status), clinical (length of hospital stay and physical functional status), and psychosocial factors (religious beliefs and presence of family caregiver).

Results

Patients reported moderate levels of communication (Mean [M] = 54.73, Standard deviation [SD] = 8.97) and empathy (M = 21.94, SD = 6.93). No significant correlation was found between patients' and nurses' perceptions of communication (r = −.041, p = .362) and empathy (r = −.014, p = .419). Lower patient-perceived communication and empathy were associated with higher education level, poor physical functional status, longer hospital stays (>15 days), being unmarried, and absence of family caregivers (only in communication perception) (all p < .05).

Conclusion

Cancer patients' and oncology nurses' perceptions of communication and empathy were not significantly correlated. Length of hospital stay, physical functional status, marital status, presence of family caregivers, and education level significantly influenced patients' perceptions. Future interventions should focus on vulnerable groups and adapting to patients' changing needs during extended hospital stays.