Physician behaviors, patient perceptions, and patient characteristics as predictors of satisfaction of hospitalized adult cancer patients

Article Abstract:

In order to determine which factors influence the satisfaction of adult cancer patients with their hospital care, 366 cases were examined. Although no standard sets of behavior on the part of the physician could be identified, it was possible to isolate factors that predicted the greater part of patient satisfaction. The primary determinant of patient satisfaction was whether the patient perceived his needs as being met on a day-to-day basis. The perception by the patient of emotional support from the physician is important, though the behavior of the physicians themselves was quite variable. Older patients were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their care. The two aspects of physician behavior that had the greatest influence on patient satisfaction were the discussion of future tests and treatments, and inquiries about signs and symptoms. It is worth noting that physicians were more likely to explain tests and treatments to patients with a good prognosis and more likely to inquire about signs and symptoms in patients with a worse prognosis. It is interesting to note that the patients consistently overestimated the actual amount of time which physicians spent with them. Overall, the actual behavior of the physician was a less accurate predictor of patient satisfaction than the patient's subjective assessment of the behavior. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Hospitalization, Hospital care

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Quality assurance in the care of the patient with cancer

Article Abstract:

Many major institutions have focussed on cancer research and cancer prevention. However, in late August 1988, the American Cancer Society, in conjunction with the Cancer Commission of the American College of Surgeons, held a workshop on quality assurance in cancer care. The proceedings of this conference were published in volume 64 of the journal Cancer. It is no longer sufficient to assert that quality care is being given to the cancer patient. The care must be documented in an objective fashion; this means adhering to strict standards of evaluation and reporting. Part of this task requires identifying those clinical indicators which are most useful for monitoring patients with cancer. In addition, uniformity in the staging of cancer is now more important for making appropriate comparisons between care at different institutions and between different published reports. Uniform adoption of the TNM system of grading is recommended; the TNM, or tumor, nodes, and metastases staging system has been formalized by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. While all practitioners presumably wish to participate in high quality cancer care, the time has come for objectively evaluating care, identifying sources of variation from optimal care, and developing methods for correcting deficiencies in delivering cancer care. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Oncology, editorial

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Cancer patient satisfaction with care

Article Abstract:

A diagnosis of cancer causes stress on patients and results in major adjustments in many aspects of their lives. Health care providers are required to fulfill the complex care needs of cancer patients. There is limited information about the degree of satisfaction felt by cancer patients concerning the quality of health care they receive. Two hundred and thirty-two cancer patients were surveyed about their perceptions of the importance and their satisfaction with certain aspects of health care. These aspects included the competence and interpersonal communication skills of physicians, the accessibility and continuity of care, hospital and clinical care, nonmedical care, family care, and finances. The technical quality of medical care, the interpersonal and communication skills of doctors, and accessibility of care were considered to be the most important aspects of medical care. Patients were generally satisfied with the opportunities to discuss their needs with the physician, the interpersonal support of doctors, and with the technical competence of doctors. Patients were not satisfied with the availability of information concerning their disease, treatment and control of symptoms, provision for home care, and care for family and friends. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Telecommunications systems, Patient satisfaction

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