Exploring the role of patient satisfaction on perceived post-treatment cancer surveillance appointment experience
Open Access
- Author:
- Paolercio, Hailey
- Area of Honors:
- Biobehavioral Health
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Thomas J Gould, Thesis Supervisor
Marie P Cross, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Cancer Survivorship
Provider-Patient Interaction
Patient Satisfaction - Abstract:
- While the medical care for cancer continues to advance, more cancer cases are turning to survivor ones, and it is therefore important to focus attention on cancer survivorship and the many side effects that can result from living beyond a cancer diagnosis. It is common for cancer survivors to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, and feelings of fear or worry of their cancer returning, and many patients are required to attend routine cancer care follow-up appointments for months or years following the end of their treatment. These ongoing appointments could result in feelings of reassurance when positive results are found but may also be associated with increased levels of anxiety, worry, and fear that could affect their overall experience at these appointments and their future attendance at such appointments. It is possible that a patient’s satisfaction with the care they receive plays a role in these experiences. The aim of this research was to explore how patient satisfaction with cancer care may be associated with perceived experience at a routine follow-up appointment and attitudes towards future care. In an observational study of 40 adult cancer survivors, patients reported their satisfaction with care before a routine follow-up appointment. These scores were then used to predict perceived unpleasantness/pain, stressfulness, and outcome of their follow-up appointment that occurred 1 week later, as well as intention to attend future appointments. Overall, there were no significant associations between patient satisfaction and perceived experience, though the majority of participants reported high satisfaction, positive experience at their appointments, and high probability of attending future appointments. This research contributes to the future improvements of healthcare provider interaction and overall experience at routine cancer care follow-up appointments for cancer survivor patients.