ASCO Voices: Speakers Championing Patient Choice
The Power of Listening: Dr. Cheedella’s “Stop. Process. Act.” Approach in Cancer Care
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Dr. Anya Cheedella has introduced a transformative patient interaction model, dubbed “Stop. Process. Act.” or “SPA,” emphasizing the profound impact of active listening in oncology. This approach, she asserts, is the most potent tool in cancer care, centering on the simple yet crucial act of asking patients about their needs and truly hearing their responses.
Understanding the “Stop. Process. Act.” Framework
The “SPA” methodology, as explained by Dr. Cheedella, involves three distinct but interconnected steps:
Stop: This initial phase calls for pausing and dedicating undivided attention to the patient.It’s about creating a space where the patient feels heard and valued.
Process: Following the listening phase, the oncologist must process the data shared by the patient. This involves understanding the underlying concerns, fears, and aspirations that shape their perspective.
Act: The final step is to act upon this understanding. This means developing and offering treatment options and care plans that are not only medically sound but also deeply aligned with the patient’s personal values and priorities.
“take steps and offer options that align with their values,” Dr. Cheedella advised, highlighting the importance of patient-centered decision-making.
Patient Choice: A Cornerstone of Oncology
The principle of patient choice, grounded in informed consent and shared decision-making, is fundamental to modern oncology. Extensive research has consistently demonstrated that when patients are actively engaged in decisions regarding their cancer screening and treatment, the outcomes are frequently enough improved. This engagement fosters a sense of control and partnership in the ofen overwhelming journey of cancer care.
However, Dr. Cheedella points out that respecting patient choice extends beyond merely presenting a list of available options or adhering to clinical guidelines. It requires a deeper commitment to understanding the individual behind the diagnosis.
Guiding Patients Through Complex Decisions
By dedicating time to ask and listen, Dr. Cheedella has successfully guided numerous patients toward choices that genuinely resonate with them.This often means prioritizing the patient’s immediate needs and desires, even when they might differ from the oncologist’s initial recommendations.
A poignant example shared by Dr. Cheedella involved a patient diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. The patient, understandably fearful after a freind’s negative experience with chemotherapy, initially requested palliative care, expressing a strong aversion to potential chemotherapy complications.
“I held her hand,and we talked about the differences in her diagnosis,” Dr. Cheedella recounted. She explained that the patient possessed a specific genetic mutation that made her eligible for a clinical trial offering a treatment with significantly fewer side effects.
“She chose the trial, and she did great,” Dr. Cheedella stated, emphasizing the pivotal role of the “SPA” approach. “And all of this happened as we paused, and I asked her what she wanted and why.”
This experience underscored for Dr. Cheedella the core of her philosophy: “So I keep asking, and I keep listening, as at the end of the day, it’s not about me curing cancer but about helping patients manage cancer and live with cancer. And that makes all the difference.”
This patient-centered approach, rooted in empathy and active listening, transforms the cancer care experience, empowering patients to navigate their journey with greater confidence and alignment with their personal values.
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Campbell is a patient advocate and author of the breast cancer memoir, “The Mastectomy I Always Wanted.” She reported having no other disclosures. Cheedella reported having no relevant financial disclosures.
Sharon Worcester is an award-winning medical journalist based in Birmingham, Alabama, writing for Medscape Medical News, MDedge and other affiliate sites. She currently covers oncology, but she has also written on a variety of other medical specialties and healthcare topics. She can be reached at sworcester@mdedge.com or on X: @SW_MedReporter.*