How oncologists’ communication improves (analogue) patients’ recall of information. A randomized video-vignettes study

Objective Cancer patients need information provision to cope with their disease. However, only 20–60% of information provided during consultations is remembered. This study aimed to investigate whether oncologists’ use of trust-conveying communication, characterized by communicating competence, honesty and caring, enhances patients’ memory. Moreover, we aimed to investigate if this hypothetical relationship is mediated by a reduction in psychophysiological arousal during the consultation. Methods An experimental design was used, allowing for conclusion about causality. Two versions of a scripted video-taped consultation were used in which the oncologist adopted either a standard or a trust-conveying communication style. 97 cancer-naive individuals acted as analogue patients and were randomly assigned to watch one of the consultations. Results Free recall, assessed 24–28 h after viewing, was higher (p = 0.039) in the trust-conveying condition (65.3% versus 59.5%). Recognition did not differ (p = 0.502). Psychophysiological assessment during watching showed a smaller heart rate response in the trust-conveying condition (p = 0.037). No mediation effect nor an effect on electrodermal activity was found. Conclusion These results suggest that oncologists’ use of trust-conveying communication could increase patients’ free recall of information and diminish their cardiovascular response. Practice implications The underlying mechanisms by which oncologists’ communication influences information recall warrants further investigation.