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Perceptions of the working alliance among medical staff and cancer patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 June 2015

Gil Bar-Sela ,
Inbal Mitnik  and
Doron Lulav-Grinwald
Gil Bar-Sela*
Affiliation:
Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
Inbal Mitnik
Affiliation:
Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
Doron Lulav-Grinwald
Affiliation:
Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Gil Bar-Sela, Director, Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care Unit, Rambam Health Care Campus, P.O.B. 9602, Haifa 31096, Israel. E-mail: g_barsela@rambam.health.gov.il
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Abstract

Objective:

A working alliance (WA) is considered an essential factor in therapeutic relationships, relating to the mutual and interactive aspects of the relationship. In the medical setting, a WA has been found to be related to various positive outcomes; however, it has previously been investigated solely from the patient's perspective. The aim of the current study was to measure the concept from both sides of the patient–medical staff interaction.

Method:

Physicians, nurses, and advanced cancer patients completed the Working Alliance Inventory–Short Revised.

Results:

Some 32 physicians, 39 nurses, and 52 advanced cancer patients completed the study. Senior staff members rated the WA higher than trainees, both among physicians and nurses. Physicians and nurses rated the “bonds” subscale highest, while patients rated “goals” at the highest level. In addition, a significant difference was demonstrated between physicians and patients, with patients rating the WA higher.

Conclusions:

These preliminary findings demonstrate different perspectives among advanced cancer patients and medical staff interactions. Future studies should investigate the interactive aspects of the WA concept in the medical setting.

Significance of results:

Awareness of the working alliance in patient–staff interactions may improve the quality of treatment given to patients confronting cancer.

Keywords

CancerOncologyPatient–medical staff interactionWorking alliance
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , June 2016 , pp. 199 - 203
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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