ArticleBMJ global health2020
The 6-star doctor? Physicians' communication of poor prognosis to patients and their families in Cape Coast, Ghana.
Article in BMJ global health, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Investigating the role of perceived autonomy support in moderating the association between diabetes stigma and psychological and diabetes self-management outcomes among adults with type 2 diabetes in Ghana.PLOS global public health · 2026Article
- Patient experience with cancer care in low- and middle-income Asian countries: a cross-sectional study of patients with advanced cancer.BMJ global health · 2025Article
- A scoping review of clinical communication in cancer care in Africa.The oncologist · 2025Article
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Abstract
introductionCommunication is considered a key skill for physicians globally and has formed a central part of medical curricula since the WHO identified it as a key attribute of the '5-star doctor'. Communication of poor prognosis to patients and caregivers is particularly challenging, yet an important example of physicians' clinical communication, and a priority within palliative care research. Knowledge is scarce regarding the different positions physicians adopt during poor prognosis communication, especially in sub-Saharan countries.
methodsThis qualitative study took place at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana's Central Region. Physicians in the internal medicine department, with experience in communicating poor prognosis to patients and families on a weekly basis were purposively sampled. Based on the concept of information power, a maximum variation of participants, in terms of age, sex, seniority and experience was achieved after conducting 10 semistructured interviews in March 2019. Positioning theory was used as a theoretical lens to inform study design. The data were analysed through a constructivist thematic analysis approach.
resultsPhysicians adopted six positions, considered as six different themes, during their communication of poor prognosis: clinical expert, educator, counsellor, communicator, protector and mentor. Physicians' choice of position was fluid, guided by local context and wider health system factors. Physicians' desire to communicate with patients and families in a way that met their needs highlighted three key challenges for communication of poor prognosis: linguistic difficulties, pluralistic health beliefs and the role of family. These challenges presented ethical complexities in relation to autonomy and non-maleficence.
conclusionContext is key to physicians' communication of poor prognosis. Communication of poor prognosis is multifaceted, complex and unpredictable. Physicians' communication training should be developed to emphasise contextual circumstances and physician support, and international policy models on physicians' roles developed to include a greater focus on social accountability.
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