Abstract P3-08-15: Improving survivors’ quality of care through use of self-reported satisfaction data
Authors: Palos GR , Zandstra F , Bevers T , Gilmore K , Greer M , Rodriguez MA 
Published: August 2014

Background: Despite numerous initiatives to improve the quality and safety of care for the growing number of cancer survivors, little empirical evidence is available about survivor satisfaction with post-treatment care or whether their information needs are met. Our specific aim was to conduct a comparative evaluation of 2 cohorts of survivors to determine their satisfaction with services provided in a breast survivorship clinic.

Methods: We compared satisfaction in 2 separate cohorts of women who completed their curative treatment. Eligibility criteria for both groups included being a woman diagnosed with breast cancer and transitioned to “long-term survivor” status by their primary oncologist. Women were then grouped into no-visit, those who had never been to a breast survivorship clinic or completed-visit, survivors who had completed a visit to the survivorship clinic. Data was collected for the no-visit group in 2009, when the breast survivorship clinic was initially launched. Data collection for the comparative or completed-visit cohort is ongoing.

The instrument consisted of 6 items reflecting 2 subscales: satisfaction and information needs. The first subscale focused on satisfaction with their visit, time spent with provider, and management of emotional distress. The second sub-scale focused on information received related to disease surveillance, late effects, health promotion, and social services. Survivors in both groups received the questionnaire upon their clinic arrival and completed it during their visit. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize all responses. All data were de-identified.

Results: The no-visit cohort consisted of 81 breast cancer survivors who had never been seen in any type of survivorship clinic. Responses indicating that the survivors strongly agreed with an item were reported as follows: 79.5% satisfied with their visit, 77.3% information received, and 77.8% adequate time with provider. Of survivors who reported they were experiencing emotional distress, 50% strongly agreed that the clinicians in the clinic did all possible to address their distress, such as making referrals to the clinic social worker or to community-based mental health services. Bone health, cancer education, recurrence, and screening were the educational topics most requested. Final data collection and analysis for the comparative cohort, completed-visit, will be concluded by August 2013.

Discussion: The no-visit cohort reported high satisfaction with survivorship care and information before they were seen in any type of institutional survivorship clinic. This finding could be a bias resulting from satisfaction with care received as a patient in active treatment. Results however, also suggest survivors of breast cancer who had not been seen in a survivorship clinic were aware of the type of specialized care or education needed to maintain their health after curative treatment. Further evaluation and research is needed to determine how satisfaction and unmet educational needs can be used to optimize outcomes for our growing population of cancer survivors.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-08-15.