METHODS
A total of 90 cancer patients, who underwent radiotherapy
between May-December 2009, were included in this study.
A questionnaire developed by the authors was used for data
collection.
RESULTS
There were 54 males and 36 females (mean age 51.6 year) in
the study group. All of the patients expected their doctor to
fully inform them about their disease, to wear a white coat, and
to explain information in layman's terms. Patients with lower
levels of education wanted their doctor to be more interested
in them than their disease.
CONCLUSION
Emotional and psychosocial support together with appropriate
treatment protocols should be considered for cancer patients.
A radiation oncologist must be aware of the patient's expectations
and behave accordingly. Thus, the treatment and psychosocial
status of the patient will be improved.
Keywords: Patient's expectation; physician-patient relationship; cancer; radiotherapy
