TAPING OUTPATIENT CONSULTATIONS - A SURVEY OF ATTITUDES AND RESPONSESOF ADULT PATIENTS WITH OCULAR MALIGNANCY

Purpose To study the attitudes and responses of cancer patients to aud iotaped consultations as a communication aid in an ophthalmic clinic. Methods Ninety-four patients attending an ocular oncology clinic were given an audiotape of their initial consultation. They were then admin istered a structured interview with questionnaire regarding their view s on the tape when they attended an outpatient clinic for follow-up af ter surgery or radiotherapy. Results 91% of patients had listened to t he tape at least once, often prior to their treatment or follow-up vis it. Most patients had shared the tape with immediate relatives, includ ing their spouse (58%) or other family members (45%). Of those who had listened to the tape, 94% described it as very useful or quite useful in helping them understand their condition. The majority had found it valuable in helping them understand their treatment and its side-effe cts, in reducing their fears and anxieties and in their emotional and psychological adjustment to their illness. Most commented on the tape as a valuable communication aid to the consultation process. Conclusio ns Taping of the consultation as a method of improving communication i s popular among cancer patients. The vast majority benefit greatly fro m being able to hear their consultation again in their own time.