Perceived quality of care and its associated factors among Chinese patients with advanced cancer: findings from the APPROACH study in Beijing.

Abstract

Patient-perceived quality of care has become an increasingly important index within the healthcare setting. We examined patient-reported overall quality of care and patient experiences in three specific domains of care (physician communication, nursing care, and care coordination) in a sample of Chinese patients with advanced cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted with stage IV cancer patients (N = 202) who were recruited from a public, tertiary hospital in Beijing. Study participants completed surveys administered by a research assistant. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which patient demographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status), disease/treatment factors, and domain-specific care were associated with overall quality of care. A majority of patients reported overall quality of care scores that we were either excellent (23%) or very good (41%). Patients reported highest ratings in the domain of nursing care (M = 87.57, SD = 31.05), followed by physician communication (M = 68.93, SD = 32.30), and care coordination (M = 66.79, SD = 25.17). Better perceived physician communication (b = 0.17, p < 0.01), care coordination (b = 0.26, p < 0.01), and higher socioeconomic status (b = 11.30, p < 0.05) were associated with higher overall quality of care. A majority of patients with advanced cancer in this Chinese hospital reported positive overall quality of care. Physician communication and care coordination are potential areas to focus on to improve patient-reported overall quality of care. Understanding perceptions of care quality will allow opportunities to improve delivery of healthcare.