Implementing patient question-prompt lists into routine cancer care

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Effective patient-clinician communication is crucial in cancer care.
• Patient question prompt lists (QPLs) are tools designed to enhance patient participation and communication during medical consultations.
• The feasibility and acceptability of routinely implementing QPLs in oncology settings require examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of routinely providing patient question prompt lists (QPLs) to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
• To evaluate the impact of QPLs on patient participation and communication in medical consultations within oncology settings.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted across four cancer centers in New South Wales, Australia (rural and urban).
• Patient question prompt lists (QPLs) were distributed to patients consulting with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, or palliative care clinicians.
• Patient satisfaction was surveyed post-consultation, and cancer specialists provided feedback on implementation feasibility and resource impact.

Main Results:

• 64% of patients received a QPL, and 91% of those offered a QPL accepted it.
• Post-consultation, 89% of patients reported reading the QPL, with 44% referring to it during the consultation.
• All 10 participating cancer specialists found the implementation of QPLs feasible in routine practice without straining resources.

Conclusions:

• Cancer patients and specialists demonstrated significant support for the routine distribution of QPLs.
• Successful implementation involves clinical champions, staff negotiation, patient awareness initiatives, and accessible resources (print and online).