Patient Preferences for Cancer Nurses as Care Providers: A Systematic Review of Discrete Choice Experiments

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Services Research
• Patient Preferences

Background:

• Limited research exists on patient preferences for cancer care providers when trade-offs are necessary.
• Understanding these preferences is crucial for optimizing cancer care delivery and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize findings from discrete choice experiments and best-worst scaling studies on patient preferences for cancer care providers.
• To identify the relative importance of care provision attributes for individuals with cancer.
• To explore willingness-to-pay estimates associated with preferred providers.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, EconLit, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
• Studies published between January and July 2025, utilizing discrete choice experiments or best-worst scaling, were included.
• Data were extracted and narratively synthesized by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies involving patients with breast, gastric, prostate, or mixed cancers were included.
• For follow-up care, cancer medical specialists were preferred, followed by cancer nurses, then general practitioners.
• Cancer nurses were the preferred providers for supportive care (e.g., lifestyle advice, mental health screening).
• Willingness-to-pay estimates indicated a higher value for specialist follow-up care ($US226.15) versus nurse-led supportive care ($US137.52).

Conclusions:

• Cancer nurses are highly valued, particularly for delivering supportive care.
• There is an opportunity to expand the scope of practice for cancer nurse specialists.
• Aligning care provision with patient preferences, especially for follow-up and supportive care, can enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.