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. 2025 May 16;15(1):17100.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-01962-8.

A cross-sectional online survey on oncologists' attitudes toward and experiences with providing patients with audio recordings of their medical encounters

Cheyenne Topf  1 , Pola Hahlweg #  2 , Isabelle Scholl #  2
Affiliations

A cross-sectional online survey on oncologists' attitudes toward and experiences with providing patients with audio recordings of their medical encounters

Cheyenne Topf et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Providing patients with audio recordings of their medical encounters, termed consultation recordings, has shown promising benefits, especially for patients with cancer. While patients favor these recordings, international research indicated that physicians have mixed feelings. To date, research specific to Germany remains limited. This study investigated German oncologists' attitudes and experiences through a nationwide cross-sectional quantitative online survey, informed by semi-structured interviews. Attitudes, prior experiences and desire for consultation recordings were assessed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses. Ninety-four physicians participated, with about half expressing a generally positive attitude, though overall attitudes were mixed. Expected benefits included improved patient recall and communication, while concerns centered around potential misuse of recordings, data confidentiality, and increased legal risks. Experiences were limited, with 12% reporting previous use. Fourteen percent expressed a willingness to offer recordings in future and 31% were undecided. This study highlights cautious openness among German oncologists, tempered by concerns over data security and legal implications, which may hinder adoption. This could be addressed by providing sound evidence regarding benefits and concerns, and enabling positive experiences. Further research should include feasibility testing in routine cancer care and re-evaluation of these results in representative samples and other specialties.

Keywords: Consultation recordings; Cross; Cross-sectional online study; Oncology; Patient information; Patient-centered care; Patient–physician-relationship.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: CT declares no conflict of interest. PH and IS declare that they have been members of the executive board of the International Shared Decision Making Society, which has the mission to foster SDM implementation. PH and IS have no further competing interests. Ethics statement: This study was carried out according to the latest version of the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association. The study was approved by the Psychological Ethics Committee of the Center for Psychosocial Medicine of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (LPEK-0406). Standards of research ethics were met. Participants provided digital written informed consent to participate in this study.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant inclusion.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Attitude toward the provision of audio recordings of medical encounters for patients.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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