Evaluation of patientsʹ satisfaction, need, and perceived barriers in cancer care at Tianjin Cancer Institute Hospital

Purpose To evaluate patientsʹ and their familiesʹ satisfaction about the cancer care they receive; to examine the perceived need and barriers that prevent or delay them from receiving cancer care service. Methods The study was a cross-sectional survey of cancer patients receiving treatment at the Tianjin Cancer Hospital (a major cancer treatment and research center in China) between March and August 2004. Data on sociodemographic variables, general satisfaction towards received service, type of medical insurance, barriers in receiving medical, and quality of life were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Quality of life was measured with the CORTC QLQ-C30 and Illness and Intrusiveness Scores (IIS). Results A total of 914 patients (63.9% females) were interviewed with a mean age of 55 years. All patients had been treated with surgery: 41.8% for breast cancer, 8.1% for digestive cancer, 16.0% for lung cancer and 20.1% for other cancers. A majority (59%) of patients had at least one comorbidity. About half of the patients reported that they primarily obtained information about their conditions from health professionals; only 27% of the patients thought they knew their condition well; 80% wanted to know more about their conditions and 66% would like to communicate with people with the same conditions. Fifty percent of the patients reported medical costs affected them receiving treatment. Transportation (41%), lodging (32%), and the lack of knowledge (48%) were also among the reported barriers. Conclusion Results from this study show that the cost of medical care is a major barrier impeding cancer patientsʹ utilization of medical service. Our findings highlight the urgency of medical insurance reform and are of great importance to health policy makers. Our study also demonstrates that future efforts are needed to improve patientsʹ knowledge and quality of life. Further research is warranted in the abovementioned areas.