Continuity of Cancer Care and Health Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): King M, Jones L, Richardson A, Murad S, Irving A, Aslett H, Ramsay A, Coelho H, Andreou P, Tookman A, Mason C, Nazareth I
Primary Institution: Royal Free & University College Medical School
Hypothesis
Can continuity of cancer care be defined from the service user's perspective and do their perceptions of continuity affect their health outcomes?
Conclusion
Higher experienced continuity of care may be linked to lower health care needs in the future.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher experienced continuity predicted lower needs for care.
- Patients reported that consistent care helped them cope better.
- Qualitative data revealed that continuity involved receiving consistent time and attention.
Takeaway
This study found that when cancer patients feel they have consistent care, they may need less help in the future.
Methodology
The study used a mixed methods approach, including qualitative interviews and a cohort study with 199 cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the changing research staff conducting interviews.
Limitations
The study faced limitations such as attrition due to death and the inability to generalize findings beyond London.
Participant Demographics
Participants included patients with breast, lung, or colorectal cancer, with a mean age of 61.2 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI −0.20, −0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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