PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A new study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute asked patients what they want from interactions with their doctor.
Topping the list, 95 percent of patients want their doctors to be honest with them about their chances for survival or cure.
Next, 72 percent of patients want doctors to call them by their first names.
And 37 percent of female patients want doctors to hold their hand during important visits, while just 12 percent of males wanted the same treatment.
The study author, Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar, says the research was done to see if doctors could modify their behavior to meet patient expectations.
He says a strong doctor-patient relationship is essential to help cancer patients feel comfortable with their treatment plan.
