Content and Duration of Doctor-Patient Communication in Outpatient Oncology Follow-Up Consultations in China.

Purpose This study aimed to analyze the content of counseling between cancer patients and physicians during outpatient follow-up, assess the duration of different communication content, and explore the influencing factors. Patients and methods We observed consecutive cancer patients without a first diagnosis of malignancy who presented to the oncology outpatient clinic of a public hospital from October through December 2023. A structured observation form was used to record the content and duration of doctor-patient communication. All variables were electronically recorded and stored on a data management platform. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the determinants of consultation duration. Results Our study included 620 cancer patients, of whom 281 individuals had distant metastasis. The average consultation duration for 620 cancer patients was 4.85 minutes (standard deviation of 3.09 minutes). The category of doctor-patient communication was routine outpatient follow-up, involving 182 patients, with an average consultation duration of 3.81 minutes (standard deviation of 2.24 minutes). The main communication content for 51 patients was about the admission procedures, with an average consultation duration of 3.00 minutes (standard deviation of 1.92 minutes). For 67 patients, the primary communication involved the prescription of anti-tumor medications, with an average consultation duration of 3.70 minutes (standard deviation of 2.30 minutes). Symptom control discussions were the main communication content with 107 patients, with an average consultation duration of 5.91 minutes (standard deviation of 3.44 minutes). The main communication content of 24 patients involved medical insurance reimbursement, with an average duration of 7.75 minutes (standard deviation of 4.63 minutes). Consultations accompanied by caregivers and the presence of metastatic tumors were positively associated with consultation duration, whereas female patients with genital malignancies were negatively associated with consultation duration. Communication about symptom management and communication about medical insurance reimbursement was positively associated with the duration of medical consultations. Communication about administering the formalities requisite for patient admission was negatively associated with the consultation duration. Conclusion We classified the main contents of doctor-patient communication in the oncology outpatient clinic and found that the contents of doctor-patient communication tended to be monotone and systematized. Oncology outpatient models should consider the integration of caregiver involvement. The reason for the shorter outpatient consultation duration in female patients of cancer primary in the reproductive system needs further investigation. The intricate medical insurance reimbursement process poses an increasing time challenge for outpatient clinicians. In addition, the adequacy and effectiveness of symptom management services provided to cancer patients during oncology outpatient follow-up require further evaluation and review.