Possible alleviation of symptoms and side effects through clinicians' nocebo information and empathy in an experimental video vignette study
Meijers, M C; Stouthard, J; Evers, A W M; Das, E; Drooger, H J; Jansen, S J A J; Francke, A L; Plum, N; van der Wall, E; Nestoriuc, Y; Dusseldorp, E; van Vliet, L M
(2022) Scientific Reports, volume 12, issue 1, pp. 1 - 12
(Article)
Abstract
To alleviate anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer, patient-clinician communication strategies based on nocebo-effect mechanisms are promising. We assessed distinct/combined effects on psychological outcomes (e.g. anxiety; main outcome) and side-effect expectations of (1) nocebo information about the (non)pharmacological origin of side effects, and (2) clinician-expressed empathy through reassurance of
... read more
continuing support. Furthermore, we explored whether information and empathy effects on side-effect expectations were mediated by decreased anxiety. In a two-by-two experimental video-vignette design, 160 cancer patients/survivors and healthy women watched one of four videos differing in level of nocebo information (±) and empathy (±). Regression and mediation analysis were used to determine effects of information/empathy and explore anxiety's mediating role. Anxiety was not influenced by empathy or information (Stai-state: p = 0.295; p = 0.390, VAS p = 0.399; p = 0.823). Information improved (specific) side-effect coping expectations (p < 0.01). Empathy improved side-effect intensity expectations (p < 0.01 = specific; p < 0.05 = non-specific/partial) and specific side-effect probability expectations (p < 0.01), and increased satisfaction, trust, and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No mediating effects were found of anxiety on expectations. Mainly empathy, but also nocebo information improved psychological outcomes and-mainly specific-side-effect expectations. Exploring the power of these communication elements in clinical practice is essential to diminish the anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer.
show less
Download/Full Text
Keywords: Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy, Communication, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Empathy, Female, Humans, Nocebo Effect, General, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Journal Article
ISSN: 2045-2322
Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
Note: Funding Information: We would like to thank the expert panel for their help in the development of the videos. We are grateful to the following patient organizations for their help with recruitment: Dutch Breast Cancer Society (BVN), Dutch Federation of Cancer Patients Organisations (NFK), Head-Neck Patient Organisation (PVHH), Lung Cancer Netherlands (Longkanker NL), hemato-oncological Patient Organisation (Hematon), Mammarosa foundation, Network of Organisations of Elder Migrants (NOOM), the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), cancer.nl (kanker.nl), Foundation for Optimal Support for Cancer (Stichting OOK), Pink Ribbon, Psycho-oncological centre ‘Het Behouden Huys’, Pain by Cancer foundation (Stichting Pijn bij Kanker), IPSO (Institutes for Psychosocial Oncology). Funding Information: The project was funded by a Young Investigator Grant of the Dutch Cancer Society (number 10392, 02/04/2016), awarded to LV. Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s).
(Peer reviewed)