Patient-centered communication in informed consent discussions-challenges and possible solutions

Background: For patient-centered care in oncology, informed consent conversations are of crucial importance. The complexity of the conveyed information and various influencing factors such as the patient's decision-making capacity and health literacy can lead to communicative challenges. Successful patient-centered communication requires not only general communication skills but also specific techniques for conveying information about diagnosis and treatment. The quality of communication plays a decisive role in the satisfaction and wellbeing of patients. Research question: This work aimed to assess the influence of communicative challenges to the oncological informed consent discussion on decision-making, adherence, and self-management of patients. Materials and methods: This article is based on a selective literature review. Results: The decision-making capacity of patients, especially those with cognitive impairments, should be assessed regularly. Further, the health literacy of patients plays a crucial role in understanding, evaluating, and applying medical information, which in turn influences decision-making. Empowering patients, i.e., strengthening their active management of the disease, can promote self-management, leading to active participation in the course of treatment. Conclusion: Interprofessional training and measures to improve individual and organizational health literacy can significantly enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients. Targeted promotion of patient-centered approaches, especially in oncological patient education, is necessary to improve the quality of communication and, consequently, enhance the satisfaction and wellbeing of patients.