Areej El-Jawahri, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses how patients with cancer do not often have a full understanding of the terms and processes doctors describe during treatment. 

El-Jawahri explains that this is partially because doctors tend to use different words and medical terms that patients don’t understand and also because so many people watch hospital shows on television that give misconceptions about the the outcomes of processes such as CPR on a patient with cancer.

A recent trial led by El-Jawarhi showed patients videos explaining the process and likely outcomes of CPR. These patients were less likely to prefer CPR and were much more informed about possible medical interventions. 

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Areej El-Jawahri on Patients' Misconceptions in Cancer Care

Areej El-Jawahri, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses potentially avoidable hospitalizations among patients older than age 60 with acute myeloid leukemia.Â 

Previous research has shown that this population has high rates of health services utilization and hospitalizations.Â 

In a study evaluating 329 patients, who accounted for more than 1000 hospitalizations, El-Jawahri found that 17% of the patients had potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Half of these hospitalizations followed a premature discharge from a prior hospitalization.Â Â 

El-Jawahri says the findings indicate a need for interventions within the hospitalization process.Â Â 

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Areej El-Jawahri, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses potentially avoidable hospitalizations among patients older than age 60 with acute myeloid leukemia.


Areej El-Jawahri Discusses Avoidable Hospitalizations

Areej El-Jawahri, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses video tools to improve patient-provider communication and decision making.

In a randomized trial, patients with advanced cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Stanford Cancer Institute watched a 3-minute cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) video in addition to receiving standard oncology care. Their results were compared to those of patients receiving standard care alone.

The video showed likely outcomes of CPR and other options.

The study found that patients who watched the video were less likely to prefer CPR for themselves and were more knowledgable about CPR than those in the group receiving standard care.

Participants who received the video intervention also reported finding it helpful, and 94% would recommend it to others facing similar decisions.

Areej El-Jawahri, MD, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses video tools to improve patient-provider communication and decision making. 


Areej El-Jawahri, MD

Articles

Areej El-Jawahri on Patients' Misconceptions in Cancer Care

Areej El-Jawahri Discusses Avoidable Hospitalizations

Areej El-Jawahri Discusses Video Interventions for Decision Making