Possible alleviation of symptoms and side effects through clinicians’ nocebo information and empathy in an experimental video vignette study

Publication date
2022-09-27
Document type
Forschungsartikel
Author
Meijers, M. C.
Stouthard, J.
Evers, A. W. M.
Das, E.
Drooger, H. J.
Jansen, S. J. A. J.
Francke, A. L.
Plum, N.
van der Wall, E.
Dusseldorp, E.
van Vliet, L. M.
Organisational unit
DOI
URI
ISSN
Series or journal
Scientific Reports
Periodical volume
12
Periodical issue
1
Peer-reviewed
✅
Part of the university bibliography
✅
Abstract
To alleviate anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer, patient-clinician communication strategies based on nocebo-effect mechanisms are promising. We assessed distinct/combined effects on psychological outcomes (e.g. anxiety; main outcome) and side-effect expectations of (1) nocebo information about the (non)pharmacological origin of side effects, and (2) clinician-expressed empathy through reassurance of continuing support. Furthermore, we explored whether information and empathy effects on side-effect expectations were mediated by decreased anxiety. In a two-by-two experimental video-vignette design, 160 cancer patients/survivors and healthy women watched one of four videos differing in level of nocebo information (±) and empathy (±). Regression and mediation analysis were used to determine effects of information/empathy and explore anxiety’s mediating role. Anxiety was not influenced by empathy or information (Stai-state: p = 0.295; p = 0.390, VAS p = 0.399; p = 0.823). Information improved (specific) side-effect coping expectations (p < 0.01). Empathy improved side-effect intensity expectations (p < 0.01 = specific; p < 0.05 = non-specific/partial) and specific side-effect probability expectations (p < 0.01), and increased satisfaction, trust, and self-efficacy (p < 0.001). No mediating effects were found of anxiety on expectations. Mainly empathy, but also nocebo information improved psychological outcomes and—mainly specific—side-effect expectations. Exploring the power of these communication elements in clinical practice is essential to diminish the anti-cancer treatment burden in advanced breast cancer.
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