Communicating the diagnosis of cancer or depression: Results of a randomized controlled online study using video vignettes

Background: Communicating a diagnosis is highly important, yet complex, especially in the context of cancer and mental disorders. The aim was to explore the communication style of an oncologist vs. psychotherapist in an online study. Methods: Patients (N = 136: 65 cancer, 71 depression) were randomly assigned to watch a standardized video vignette with one of two communication styles (empathic vs. unempathic). Outcome measures of affectivity, information recall, communication skills, empathy and trust were applied. Results: Regardless of diagnosis, empathic communication was associated with the perception of a significantly more empathic (p < 0.001, (Formula presented.) = 0.08) and trustworthy practitioner (p = 0.014, (Formula presented.) = 0.04) with better communication skills (p = 0.013, (Formula presented.) = 0.05). Cancer patients reported a larger decrease in positive affect (p < 0.001, (Formula presented.) = 0.15) and a larger increase in negative affect (p < 0.001, (Formula presented.) = 0.14) from pre- to post-video than depressive patients. Highly relevant information was recalled better in both groups (p < 0.001, d = 0.61–1.06). Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of empathy while communicating both a diagnosis of cancer and a mental disorder. Further research should focus on the communication of a mental disorder in association with cancer.