Physicians privilege responding to emotional cues in oncologic consultations: A study utilizing Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe emotional cues and concerns expressed by cancer patients and their physicians using video-recorded regular oncology consultations. The consultations were divided into units of analysis and coded according to the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences system. The study design was mixed, descriptive, and exploratory. Twelve patients and eight oncologists participated in the study. The patients expressed 349 cues/concerns during the 12 consultations. The majority (68.8%) of the content consisted of non-explicit description of physiological and stress episodes in the disease and treatment. Physicians demonstrated that they recognized fewer underlying cues than those related to physiological complaints.

Keywords: cancer; communication; emotions; health psychology; worry.