Health services around the world have many opportunities for improving patient experience of cancer care, according to the findings of a major survey published today.
Diagnosis and decision-making are key concerns raised by patients around the world, campaigners say.
The campaign group All.Can defines inefficiency as “any allocation of resources that does not focus on what matters to patients”. It publishes a report ‘Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency’ today (24 July) based on a survey of nearly 4,000 cancer patients in ten countries.
The authors urge health officials, governments and decision-makers to take patient insights into account in all aspects of treatment and care.
The report highlights four major areas for potential improvement: Ensuring a swift, accurate and appropriately delivered diagnosis; improving information-sharing, support and shared decision-making; making integrated multidisciplinary care a reality for all patients; and addressing the financial implications of cancer for patients.
Alex Filicevas of All.Can says: “Patients are often forgotten when it comes to cancer care planning. With the prevalence, complexity and costs of cancer rising across the globe, it is imperative to listen to what patients say would improve their experience of care.
“Ignoring the findings of this report would be a missed opportunity to do the right thing by patients and make changes that could make a real difference.”
Dr Christobel Saunders of All.Can adds: “It is so important that, as physicians, we listen to what patients are telling us in this survey. Each of the areas identified represents an opportunity to improve cancer care for patients and provide truly patient-driven care.”
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