Experiences of cancer patients with outpatient care in the USA: a population-based study

Aim: To evaluate the patterns of cancer patients-assessed quality of outpatient care in the USA. Materials & methods: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey datasets for the years 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 were accessed and adult participants with a history of cancer diagnosis were reviewed. Participants' assessments of different quality indicators of healthcare providers were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for factors associated with a better overall rating of healthcare was then conducted. Results: A total of 8050 participants with a history of cancer were included. Within multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors associated with the better rating of healthcare included; older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.017; 95% CI: 1.010-1.025), higher income OR (OR: 2.385; 95% CI: 1.735-3.277) and better self-reported health status (OR: 6.691; 95% CI: 3.928-11.396). Conclusion: Cancer patients with older age, higher income and better health status were more likely to be satisfied with the outpatient care they received. The biggest area for potential improvement of patient satisfaction seems to be related to the time spent with healthcare providers.