Factors related to truth-telling practice of physicians treating patients with cancer in Turkey

Abstract

Background: In the practice of oncology, effective communication between physician and patient is very important. Although many studies have indicated that a large majority of physicians, especially front Western countries, tell the truth about diagnosis and prognosis, little is known about attitudes of physicians in Turkey toward truth-telling. Objective: In this study, we tried to determine the truth-telling practice of physicians and explore potential related factors with a self-reported questionnaire. Design: Using a questionnaire, 131 cancer specialists were interviewed during the 15th National Oncology Meeting in April 2003. Results: The percentage of physicians who never, rarely, generally, and always prefer truth-telling about a cancer diagnosis were 9%, 39%, 45%, and 7%, respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis for the truth-telling practice, significant variables included "do not tell" requests from family, experiences from medical training and clinical practice, and medical specialty. In the multivariate analysis, "do not tell" requests from relatives and medical training factors retained their significance. Conclusion: Professional training in breaking bad news is important and is associated with the self-reported truth-telling practices of physicians. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.