Enhancing Patient Experience in Sarcoma Core Biopsies: The Role of Communication, Anxiety Management, and Pain Control

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of communication strategies and pain management protocols to enhance patients' experiences during sarcoma core biopsies. Recognizing the complexity and anxiety associated with sarcoma diagnoses, this research aims to assess the utility of the Invasive Procedure Assessment (IPA) tool, focusing on its ability to identify areas for improvement through Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). Methods: Conducted at two Integrated Practice Units (IPUs) within the Swiss Sarcoma Network, this study involved 282 consecutive patients who underwent core biopsies. One week post-procedure, patients completed the IPA questionnaire, which included PROMs and PREMs. Statistical analyses explored correlations between physician communication, patient understanding, anxiety, pain, and overall satisfaction. Results: The IPA tool effectively captured patient perspectives on sarcoma core biopsies. A significant positive correlation (rho = 0.619, p < 0.0001) was found between effective physician communication and patient understanding, which was associated with reduced anxiety and pain. Higher anxiety levels strongly correlated with increased pain perception (rho = 0.653, p < 0.0001), emphasizing the need for anxiety management. Patients with malignant tumors reported lower overall satisfaction compared to those with benign tumors (p = 0.0003), highlighting the need for tailored communication and pain management strategies. The data also suggested that clear communication might mitigate overly negative subjective impressions, such as concerns about wound complications. Conclusions: Effective communication and anxiety management are essential for improving patient satisfaction during sarcoma core biopsies. The study emphasizes the need for personalized care strategies tailored to tumor characteristics and patient demographics. Future research should validate these findings in diverse healthcare settings and explore the broader application of the IPA tool across different cultural and demographic contexts.