Abstract
The Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS) is a standardized instrument to assess the overall cancer patient experience. This study retrospectively investigated differences in care experiences and satisfaction among ambulatory oncology patients who self-identified as receiving outpatient therapies for curative intent or for symptom or disease control. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the AOPSS collected between February and April 2019 within the provincial cancer program in Alberta, Canada. There were 2104 participants who returned the survey, representing a 52.7% response rate. This nationally validated survey gathers patient care experiences and satisfaction across six domains of person-centred care. Treatment intent was characterized by adding a new “goal of treatment” question. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVAs). Cancer patients’ treatment goals were found to be significantly associated with key patient characteristics like age, sex, tumour group, and the locations where they received care. Patients whose self-identified goal of treatment was to cure their cancer reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction and a more positive experience in five out of the six person-centred care domains. Results identify marked differences in satisfaction and experience between these two patient groups even though they both received care in the same ambulatory environments. A better understanding of the experience and satisfaction of non-curative cancer patients could allow for a more holistic and supportive approach to patient care. In addition, an early palliative approach to care is recommended for improved patient outcomes.
Highlights
Patients with cancer are often confronted with difficult decisions regarding treatment options and their associated side effects [1]
This cross-sectional study used the survey data collected by the Ambulatory Oncology Patient Satisfaction Survey (AOPSS), distributed and collected between February 2019 and April 2019 across all 17 cancer centres in Alberta, Canada
When examining Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) like the AOPSS, if we do not seek to understand the intent of patients’ treatment, it is impossible to understand the difference that treatment intent makes to the patient experience
Summary
Patients with cancer are often confronted with difficult decisions regarding treatment options and their associated side effects [1]. Person-centred care is about treating people with cancer as individuals and establishing a partnership between health care providers, patients, and their loved ones [4] This concept is supported by Alberta Health Services’ Patient First Strategy, which recommends that patients (and family/primary support persons as the patient chooses) engage as full partners in their care, collaborating as essential members with their health care teams [5]. This approach to care promotes a shared holistic understanding of cancer patients’ needs and goals which is crucial to optimizing health processes and outcomes like improving the experience for patients in Alberta
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