BACKGROUND: To improve quality of care for cancer patients, it is important to have an insight on the patient's view on health care and on their specific wishes, needs and preferences, without restriction and without influence of researchers and health care providers. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire assessing medical oncology patients' preferences for health care based on their own input. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Items were generated using 10 focus group interviews with 51 cancer patients. A preliminary questionnaire was handed out to 681 patients of seven Dutch departments of medical oncology. Explorative factor analysis was carried out on the 386 returned questionnaires (response 57%). RESULTS: Focus group interviews resulted in a preliminary questionnaire containing 136 items. Explorative factor analysis resulted in a definitive questionnaire containing 123 items (21 scales and eight single items). Patients rated expertise, safety, performance and attitude of physicians and nurses as the most important issues in cancer care. CONCLUSION: This questionnaire may be used to assess preferences of cancer patients and to come to a tailored approach of health care that meets patients' wishes and needs.
BACKGROUND: To improve quality of care for cancerpatients, it is important to have an insight on the patient's view on health care and on their specific wishes, needs and preferences, without restriction and without influence of researchers and health care providers. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire assessing medical oncology patients' preferences for health care based on their own input. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Items were generated using 10 focus group interviews with 51 cancerpatients. A preliminary questionnaire was handed out to 681 patients of seven Dutch departments of medical oncology. Explorative factor analysis was carried out on the 386 returned questionnaires (response 57%). RESULTS: Focus group interviews resulted in a preliminary questionnaire containing 136 items. Explorative factor analysis resulted in a definitive questionnaire containing 123 items (21 scales and eight single items). Patients rated expertise, safety, performance and attitude of physicians and nurses as the most important issues in cancer care. CONCLUSION: This questionnaire may be used to assess preferences of cancerpatients and to come to a tailored approach of health care that meets patients' wishes and needs.
Authors: Hester Wessels; Alexander de Graeff; Klaske Wynia; Miriam de Heus; Cas L J J Kruitwagen; Gerda T G J Woltjer; Saskia C C M Teunissen; Emile E Voest Journal: Oncologist Date: 2010-05-27
Authors: Hester Wessels; Alexander de Graeff; Klaske Wynia; Miriam de Heus; Cas L J J Kruitwagen; Saskia C C M Teunissen; Emile E Voest Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2010-07-08 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Judith C Booij; Marieke Zegers; Pauline M P J Evers; Michelle Hendriks; Diana M J Delnoij; Jany J D J M Rademakers Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2013-04-23 Impact factor: 4.430