Demetra Yannitsos1,2, Lisa Barbera3,4, Abdulla Al-Rashdan3,4, Petra Grendarova3,4. 1. Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. Demetra.Yannitsos@albertahealthservices.ca. 2. Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Canada. Demetra.Yannitsos@albertahealthservices.ca. 3. Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada. 4. Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that patients with lung cancer report worse patient experience compared to other tumour groups. Reasons that may negatively impact patient experience include delays in diagnosis as well as inadequate symptom management. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic timelines and symptom reports of patients with lung and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. METHODS: This study included patients diagnosed with lung or GI cancers who attended a radiation oncology (RO) consultation and/or received radiation treatment between May and August 2019 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Data collected included demographics, dates of diagnostic time points, and self-reported symptom scores across 3 time points. A descriptive analysis was completed, and the median number of days between time points was compared between tumour groups. RESULTS: Patients with lung cancer had longer diagnostic timelines compared to GI patients. The median number of days between the first investigative test and biopsy was 21 days longer for patients with lung cancer (p < 0.05). From RO consultation to the first treatment review appointment, 25% and 4% of lung and GI patients, respectively, reported worsening of symptoms. A greater proportion of lung patients reported worse symptom scores during treatment compared to GI patients. This varied by specific symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lung cancer experienced delays in receiving a diagnosis and worse symptom burden during radiation therapy in this study. We identified potential targets to improve patient experience.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found that patients with lung cancer report worse patient experience compared to other tumour groups. Reasons that may negatively impact patient experience include delays in diagnosis as well as inadequate symptom management. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic timelines and symptom reports of patients with lung and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. METHODS: This study included patients diagnosed with lung or GI cancers who attended a radiation oncology (RO) consultation and/or received radiation treatment between May and August 2019 at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Data collected included demographics, dates of diagnostic time points, and self-reported symptom scores across 3 time points. A descriptive analysis was completed, and the median number of days between time points was compared between tumour groups. RESULTS: Patients with lung cancer had longer diagnostic timelines compared to GI patients. The median number of days between the first investigative test and biopsy was 21 days longer for patients with lung cancer (p < 0.05). From RO consultation to the first treatment review appointment, 25% and 4% of lung and GI patients, respectively, reported worsening of symptoms. A greater proportion of lung patients reported worse symptom scores during treatment compared to GI patients. This varied by specific symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lung cancer experienced delays in receiving a diagnosis and worse symptom burden during radiation therapy in this study. We identified potential targets to improve patient experience.
Authors: Inger Ekman; Karl Swedberg; Charles Taft; Anders Lindseth; Astrid Norberg; Eva Brink; Jane Carlsson; Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff; Inga-Lill Johansson; Karin Kjellgren; Eva Lidén; Joakim Öhlén; Lars-Eric Olsson; Henrik Rosén; Martin Rydmark; Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen Journal: Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs Date: 2011-07-20 Impact factor: 3.908
Authors: Sharon L Sanders; Erin O Bantum; Jason E Owen; Andrea A Thornton; Annette L Stanton Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2010-05 Impact factor: 3.894