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Encounters with doctors: quantity and quality.
S D Smith1, K M Nicol, J Devereux
1Marie Curie Centre Fairmile, Edinburgh, UK.
Palliative Medicine
|September 4, 1999
Summary
Cancer patients encounter a high number of doctors, averaging 32, impacting continuity of care. This study highlights challenges in communication and patient experience due to fragmented healthcare professional involvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Services Research
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Continuity of care is a significant concern for patients and families navigating cancer treatment.
- The increasing number of healthcare professionals involved in patient care raises questions about communication and consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the number of doctors cancer patients encounter during their care journey.
- To explore patient perspectives on their interactions with these healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was used, combining descriptive statistics with qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews.
- Fifty cancer patients were surveyed regarding the number of doctors they met over varying treatment durations (4 months to 26 years).
Main Results:
- Patients encountered a median of 32 doctors, with a range from 13 to 97.
- Patients with less than one year of care history met an average of 28 doctors.
- Qualitative analysis revealed key themes including continuity of care, information provision, honesty, doctor's manner, and referral issues.
Conclusions:
- The high number of doctors involved in cancer care presents a substantial barrier to seamless communication and consistent patient management.
- Addressing fragmentation in care delivery is crucial for improving the patient experience and ensuring effective cancer treatment.