Interpersonal communication research

valorization of the oncological patient in a high complexity oncology unit

Abstract

The interpersonal relationship between professional and patient is an important moment during assistance that offers the opportunity for a clear communication to both, and allows for a more humanized relation. The study aimed to analyze the perception of patients in an outpatient oncology clinic about the professional-client interpersonal communication. The study site was a High Complexity Oncology Unit in the South of Minas Gerais. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and analysis of patients' records. The sample was of intentional mode with data saturation and featured 13 patients with neoplasia registered in the service and tended at the clinic during the period of data collection; all patients agreed to participate in the research by voluntarily signing an informed consent. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee from the Medical Sciences College at the Campinas State University. The data were analyzed by the thematic content analysis technique in the light of the theoretical referential of Rogers, the "Client-Centered Theory". Five major categories were identified; among them, the importance attributed to human relations in the process of balance and disease healing. It was concluded that the cancer patient values interpersonal communication and believe that it relieves symptoms, pain, and anguish; its deficiency is a major limiting factor for patient's assistance. The construction of relationships that are more client-focused and improvements in communication are suggested.