Wait Times for Presumptive Cancer Diagnosis
Author Information
Author(s): Grunfeld E, Watters J M, Urquhart R, O'Rourke K, Jaffey J, Maziak D E, Morash C, Patel D, Evans W K
Primary Institution: The Ottawa Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to measure peri-diagnostic and surgical time intervals for patients with suspected colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Colorectal and prostate patients wait longer for diagnosis than recommended, while lung patients have shorter wait times.
Supporting Evidence
- Lung patients had significantly shorter wait times than colorectal and prostate patients.
- Colorectal patients with cancer were informed of their diagnosis sooner than those without cancer.
- Patients with presumptive lung cancer were most likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
Takeaway
This study looked at how long patients wait to find out if they have cancer. It found that some patients wait too long, which can be stressful.
Methodology
Patients were referred for diagnostic assessment and their wait times were measured using chart abstractions and questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from patients and the specific population studied.
Limitations
The study only examined one regional hospital, which may not represent wait times across Canada.
Participant Demographics
Patients were adults aged 18 and older referred for suspected colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI=1.52–4.55
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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