Patients’Experiences and Expectations Upon Diagnosis Disclosure: A Survey of 80 Patients Followed at the Salah Azaiez Institute

Introduction and aims:Limited knowledge exists regarding patients' perspectives on the delivery of bad news. Our study aimed to assess patients’ experiences during cancer diagnosis disclosure consultations and their expectations.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study among cancer patients in a Tunisian oncology clinic, using a semi-structured questionnaire based on SPIKES steps to evaluate both the disclosure process and patients' expectations of it.Results:Our study included 80 patients, with an average age of 53 ± 14 years and a male-to-female ratio of 0.53. During the disclosure consultation, the physician gradually delivered the news and explicitly named the disease in 70% and 60% of cases, respectively; while 75% of patients expressed a desire to know the diagnosis. More than one-third of patients (32.5%) did not receive comprehensible details about the disease, nor clear information on the expected progression of the illness (48.25%) or its impact on their daily lives (36.25%). Over two-thirds of patients wanted information about the prognosis (77.5%), therapeutic alternatives (80%), life expectancy (61.3%), and the impact of the disease and its treatment on their lives (66.3%).The patients perceived the physician as empathetic in 88.75% of cases. The physician asked about patients' concerns in 51.25% of cases, whereas 65% of patients wished to express their feelings, and 73.8% wanted to discuss their concerns.Conclusion:Our results align with previous studies, revealing a clear gap between patients’ expectations and current disclosure practices—highlighting the need for a context‑appropriate disclosure protocol and targeted training for healthcare professionals.