Identifying Emotional Variations in Spanish Oncology Patients During Treatment Decision Consultations: A Qualitative Study
February 2026
in “
BMJ Open
”
TLDR Understanding patients' emotions can help oncologists improve communication and support during treatment decisions.
This qualitative study analyzed emotional variations in 12 Spanish oncology patients during treatment decision consultations, focusing on themes such as 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 findings highlight the importance of understanding these emotional responses to improve communication and patient experiences in oncology settings. Oncologists can use this information to better address patients' emotional needs during consultations.