A recent study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland highlights how communication and encounters with healthcare professionals play a critical role in restoring cancer patients’ sense of control. The collaborative autoethnographic study followed one patient’s journey over 18 months, showing that personal interactions, dialogue, and involvement in decision-making significantly increased the patient’s sense of agency.
The research also found that clear guidance, access to online health portals, and practical actions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to patients feeling empowered. The study emphasizes that healthcare must be human-centered, allowing patients to ask questions, participate in decisions, and feel valued, which supports recovery and long-term health behaviors.
The study was part of the CO-RESEARCH project funded by the Research Council of Finland and published in Qualitative Health Research.
Source: University of Eastern Finland
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