An evidence base for patient-centered cancer care: a meta-analysis of studies of observed communication between cancer specialists and their patients.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of patients visiting cancer specialists, the objective is to test the association between both patient-centered communication (including Affective Behavior and Participation Behavior) and Instrumental Behavior and patients' post-visit satisfaction with a variety of visit phenomena.

METHODS: Meta-analysis of 25 articles representing 10 distinct data sets.

RESULTS: Both patient-centered- and instrumental behavior are significantly, positively associated with satisfaction, with patient-centered communication having a relatively stronger association.

CONCLUSION: There is an evidence base for the efficacy of patient-centered care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Cancer specialists need to train to improve their patient-centered communication.