Evaluation of cancer patient satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at a tertiary care center in India

Purpose

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the entire health-care system and has led to a sense of fear and anxiety in the minds of patients. Patient's perceptions in this scenario of the pandemic are unknown. Providing continued care for cancer patients during the lockdown has been challenging. Measures are needed to improve patient safety and satisfaction during these challenging times and hence the importance of measuring the degree of satisfaction for the quality of care provided. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors related to patients' satisfaction and also understand their apprehensions, fears, and anxieties they face as they receive radiotherapy treatment amid COVID-19 pandemic. The study's objective was to explore other aspects such as logistic issues, patient-staff communication, and also perceptions of the patients toward the outbreak.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted from April to September 2020. A questionnaire was created for which the patients were asked to provide answers. Parameters assessed included general information such as mode of transport used, frame of mind during treatment, awareness about pandemic, satisfaction toward care provided by health-care staff, and also documenting the suggestions to improve the quality of care.

Results

During this period, we interviewed 108 patients: 56 males (51.9%) and 52 females (48.1%). 90.7% of the participants were satisfied with the condition and safety measures employed in waiting area and billing section. Majority (88.9%) were found to be aware about COVID-19. 74.1% of the participants were very satisfied with the services provided to them in the department of radiation oncology.

Conclusion

The survey was useful in measuring the patient satisfaction, in understanding their fears and anxieties, and also in determining their awareness about the pandemic. The survey was also useful to get the patients' opinion and ideas for improvement in the health-care services.

La prise en charge psychologique des patients cancéreux au Maroc : cas du centre d’oncologie-hématologie de Marrakech

Le cancer représente un problème de santé majeur dans le monde, nécessitant une prise en charge globale (médicale, sociale et psychologique). Afin de déterminer la place de la prise en charge psychosociale des cancéreux au Maroc, nous avons mené des enquêtes auprès de 370 patients et l’ensemble du personnel exerçant au niveau du centre d’oncologie-hématologie de Marrakech. Les résultats montrent que seulement 10 % des patients ont bénéficié d’un soutien psychologique, alors que 58 % ont bénéficié du soutien social. En conclusion, la priorité dans la prise en charge du cancer au Maroc est dans le soin médical et le soutien social. Toutefois, l’amélioration du soutien psychologique est nécessaire pour éviter l’abandon du traitement.

Evaluation of Cancer Patient Satisfaction: A Transversal Study in Radiotherapy Department, Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco

Patient satisfaction is an important quality outcome indicator of health care in the hospital setting. Patients are nowadays care-partners with caregivers. This relation is practically important for patients presenting chronic diseases, especially cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate cancer patient satisfaction, treated at the Department of Radiotherapy in Hassan II University Hospital, and to study the different components of this satisfaction. A prospective transversal study was conducted between December 2016 and January 2017. Data was collected by three investigators based on structured interviews, a validated, anonymous and a standardized questionnaire. During this period, we have included 230 patients: 159 women (69.1%), 71 men (30.9%) and the sex ratio (women/men) was 2.23. Half of the investigated patients have never been schooled (52.61%). The majority had urban origin (71.3%) and 90% of patients declared being satisfied with the care at Radiotherapy department. 93.48% of cases recommended Radiotherapy department to other patients and 95.65% will want to continue their treatment at this department. Reception conditions were judged as favorable in 92.14%. Satisfaction rates regarding the availability of medical and paramedics, health-care workers were 86.52% and 83.9%, respectively. The quality of medical and paramedical care was judged as excellent or good in 78% cases. However, 44.34% of patients complained about the complexity of administrative formalities. 60.87% of cases judged that the waiting time was too long, whereas 31.4% of patients claimed that care-quality of their pain was insufficient or bad. The majority of patients declared being very satisfied or at least satisfied with different care services. For items that were judged as less satisfactory, some recommendations will be taken especially at the level of pain’s and palliative care as well as the organization of patients’ circuit inside the department. The satisfaction’s variations can be attributed to personally patients factors as well as systemic ones at the level of the hospital. Assessing and understanding these factors are essential in developing appropriate measures to improve patient satisfaction.

Barriers and Facilitators Related to Rehabilitation Stays in Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown the positive effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on disability and health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, many patients do not seek such treatment, even if it is available free of charge. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers related to use of such treatment options.

METHODS

Five focus group interviews with 27 MS patients were conducted. Three groups included patients who had been admitted to a multidisciplinary MS rehabilitation institution, and two groups included outpatients of a university hospital who had not applied for specialized rehabilitation. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and were analyzed qualitatively by means of a modified form of systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Important factors influencing the use of an MS rehabilitation service were 1) the availability and suitability of initial information about the disease and the service, 2) assumptions and expectations about such a service, and 3) practical barriers in the patient's life. The prospect of having a retreat from work and family was described as a motivational factor. Lack of reorientation after diagnosis, fears and perceptions of being labeled as an MS patient, or having information overload and being confronted with disabled individuals were identified as barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Communication skills, including information-giving skills, of neurologists in relation to newly diagnosed MS patients need improvement. Rehabilitation programs for MS patients should include stays of different durations and purposes to fit patients' needs. Health-care authorities should take measures to secure equal access to information about rehabilitation options across institutions and practicing physicians.