Do Greek healthcare users and healthcare providers share cancer care priorities? Analysing the results from two Delphi studies

Abstract

Traditionally healthcare providers have determined how healthcare resources should be allocated. However, in recent years, healthcare users have increasingly been invited to identify those priorities important to them. Yet, healthcare users' priorities do not always match the priorities set by healthcare providers. In Greece, there has not been any research to measure the extent of agreement between healthcare providers and users on cancer care priorities. This project aimed to identify the priorities of healthcare users and providers with regards to the areas of cancer care that needed to be developed or improved in Greece and to examine the extent of agreement between the two groups. Two parallel Delphi surveys were conducted to identify the priorities and arrive at a consensus. Thirty participants formed the panel of healthcare providers and 30 participants the panel of healthcare users. The participants identified 18 key cancer care areas that require development or improvement; however, there were significant differences on the prioritisation between the two panels. It is encouraging that 18 key areas were shared by both panels. These areas can form an agenda for further exploration. Healthcare users can participate in developing priorities for cancer care; however, education is required so that they are better able to make informed choices.