Identifying Emotional Variations in Spanish Oncology Patients During Treatment Decision Consultations: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative study analyzed emotional variations in 12 Spanish oncology patients during treatment decision consultations at Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet in Zaragoza. The study identified five main themes affecting patients' emotions: clinical history, cancer diagnosis, treatment choices, side effects, and next steps. Most emotional variations were negative, particularly concerning treatment delays and the possibility of hair loss. The study found 204 emotional variation phrases, with 75 negative, 38 positive, and 91 neutral. Hair loss due to chemotherapy was a significant concern for breast cancer patients. The findings aim to improve communication and patient experiences in oncology by helping oncologists recognize and address negative emotions during consultations. Despite potential biases and limitations, such as the single-center setting and interpretation biases, the study provides valuable insights into enhancing communication and support during oncology consultations.