Kleeberg UR, Tews JT, Ruprecht T, Höing M, Kuhlmann A, Runge C. Patient satisfaction and quality of life in cancer outpatients: results of the PASQOC study.
Support Care Cancer 2005;
13:303-10. [PMID:
15729552 DOI:
10.1007/s00520-004-0727-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Accepted: 10/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Satisfaction with care and quality of life (QoL) are indicative of the quality of care of cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to lay a cornerstone for patient-centred quality management by assessing the current status of satisfaction with care and QoL among oncological outpatients in Germany, and by identifying the key factors that determine a patient's willingness to recommend a medical facility.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A self-constructed and validated patient satisfaction questionnaire plus the SF-36 were distributed to a random sample of 3384 cancer patients who presented at 24 investigators' offices nationwide within a defined recruiting period and who met the inclusion criteria. The return rate was 81.9% (n=2772). A total of 2659 (78.6%) questionnaires were evaluable. The most common cancer types were breast (22.9%) and intestine (19.8%).
RESULTS
Overall satisfaction was high, but specific reporting questions revealed many areas for improvement such as shared decision making, doctor-patient communication and organization of care. QoL was significantly impaired in many domains. Patient-provider relationship, facility setting and information on diagnosis and treatment options are major determinants of a patient's willingness to recommend a facility to a friend or relative if needed.
CONCLUSIONS
This multicentre study focusing on patient perspectives highlights that, although the overall degree of satisfaction was quite high, there are numerous areas for improvement.
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