The symbiosis of healthcare professionals and patients: Understanding the dynamics of long-term care relationships between healthcare professionals and patients in oncology.
Authors: Chung Liam Il-Young , Lee Grace Yujin , Ryu SeungHee , Barnum Trevor , Chang Cara , Hall Brooke , Kadymova Dilyara , Maule Patricia , Meminger Markie , Opfer Katie , Patten Charlotte , Schmidt Laura , Tobias Megan , Chae Young Kwang 
Published: June 2022

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Background: Chronic diseases are a significant source of physical, emotional, mental, and social distress to not only patients but also their friends and family. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) also share in the burden as they strive to provide the best possible care. In particular, cancer patients face great burden as they grapple with the uncertainty of their futures. Given the respective difficulties associated with cancer treatment, fostering a collaborative environment in which patients, caregivers, and HCPs mutually encourage each other becomes necessary to improve the quality of life of everyone involved. This study aims to investigate factors that influence a healthy long-term care relationship between patients and HCPs. Methods: This study is a qualitative analysis of HCPs’ experiences with patients and their caregivers at a large metropolitan academic medical center. This study analyzed reflective essays written by HCPs as part of the Pacemakers initiative at the medical center, which seeks to empower HCPs, patients, and caregivers in creative ways along the management journey. The essays focused on HCPs’ participation in meaningful experiences with patients and caregivers such as patient/caregiver award ceremonies celebrating their resilience and hope. A total of 22 essays ( N = 22) were thematically analyzed by two independent coders to produce meaning-making codes and themes (italicized). Results: The presence of support networks ( n = 10) was very important for the patients and caregivers. Conveying solidarity ( n = 21) was also central in helping patients experience companionship and fellowship in their community with their medical team, family, and friends. It was also noted that little means much ( n = 10); small acts of kindness showing genuine interest led to meaningful interactions that provided encouragement for the patients. Compassion ( n = 19) and patient-centeredness ( n = 17) were important in fostering a receptive environment in which patients and caregivers felt heard. Celebrating and honoring the patients’ resilience ( n = 10) made patients feel recognized, and this process of celebration was also found to bolster a renewed sense of purpose for the HCPs ( n = 11). Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the importance of supporting patients and their caregivers holistically. Understanding and meeting this need through creative encouragement empowers not only the patients and caregivers but also the HCPs. Trust is built and patients are strengthened to pursue their health to the best of their abilities as HCPs show their deep care for their struggles and resiliency. This sacred experience of entrusting one’s life to another builds the best environment for healing and recovery. This study shares a glimpse of how to best support patients as well as HCPs in long-term care relationships.