“There has to be more caring”: patient and care partner experiences of the disclosure of amyloid-β PET scan results
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To explore patient and care partner experiences of receiving an amyloid scan result, with a focus on how clinician disclosure practices influenced patient and care partner emotional responses to the scan result and/or diagnosis. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 38 people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and 62 care partners who experienced the disclosure of results from an amyloid PET scan as part of the CARE-IDEAS study. We used thematic analysis to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS: We identified four aspects of the disclosure process that could influence patient and care partner emotional experiences of the scan result/diagnosis: (1) mode of delivery, (2) presence of a care partner, (3) clarity of the scan result explanation, and (4) discussion of post-scan treatment and support options. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional experiences of an amyloid scan result can vary depending on how results are communicated. These findings support previous efforts to develop standard disclosure protocols. Scan results should be delivered in person with the care partner present. Clinicians should give a clear explanation of the result and its implications in an empathetic manner. Options for treatment and support should be discussed for all patients.
Source: Aging & Mental Health
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Caregivers' Reactions and Experience: Imaging Dementia Evidence for Amyloid Scanning CARE IDEAS, NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARD, National Research Service Award, Supporting Patients and Family Care Partners to Manage Chronic Kidney Disease Together, Duke Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
OpenAlex ID: W4400052989