Healthcare provider assessments of caregiver communication behaviors during gynecologic Cancer treatment appointments

Caregivers often accompany patients to cancer-related medical appointments. Limited research exists on healthcare providers' (HCPs) evaluation of how caregiver communication influences interactions between healthcare providers and patients, particularly during gynecologic treatment visits. HCPs may perceive caregiver communication as helpful or challenging, and these triadic interactions may influence patient outcomes. Interviews with ten cancer specialist HCPs (medical assistants/technicians, nurse practitioners/registered nurses, oncologists) addressed experiences interacting with patients and caregivers. Analyses revealed two themes concerning helpful communication: caregivers managing information and managing patient emotions. Three challenging themes include caregiver communication unsettling healthcare interactions, caregiver presence limiting patient communication, and caregiver engagement challenges. HCPs evaluate caregiver communication as helpful and challenging. Findings suggest benefits of communication training for gynecologic cancer patients such as requesting privacy when interacting with HCPs, for caregivers to promote awareness of effects of their behavior, and for HCPs to help manage triadic interactions while supporting patient needs. HCP assessment of caregiver communication during gynecologic treatment visits offers unique insights regarding helpful and challenging behaviors contributing to implications for patient care and well-being. Applications may extend to other triadic interactions and cancer settings.