European journal of cancer care
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Mar 2011
What is important in cancer care coordination? A qualitative investigation.
Although it is widely recognised that better coordination of cancer care holds considerable potential to improve patients' experience of care and their outcomes, there is no agreed definition of the term 'care coordination' or consensus as to what it entails. An explorative descriptive qualitative study was undertaken to explore the views and experiences of key stakeholders to identify the key components of cancer care coordination. We conducted semi-structured individual and focus groups interviews with patients (n= 20) who have been treated for any cancer and carers (n= 4) as well as clinicians (n= 29) involved in cancer care, using open-ended questions. ⋯ A phenomenological approach based on grounded theory was used to explore the participants' experiences and views. Seven key components were identified: organisation of patient care, access to and navigation through the healthcare system, the allocation of a 'key contact' person, effective communication and cooperation among the multidisciplinary team and other health service providers, delivery of services in a complementary and timely manner, sufficient and timely information to the patient and needs assessment. The components of cancer care coordination identified provide an empirical basis for the development of metrics and interventions to improve this aspect of cancer care.
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Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) · Mar 2011
Review'Listening to Patients': what is the value of age-appropriate care to teenagers and young adults with cancer?
Current healthcare policy increasingly recognises the importance of patient experience in determining care. The 2005 UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Improving Outcomes Guidance encompasses caring for young people with cancer in an age-appropriate model of care developing regional principal treatment centres for this purpose. When published this was based upon limited outcomes evidence, and only a small amount of teenage and young adult patient and parent opinion. ⋯ Many patients are prepared to travel to receive such care, if services are not in place to deliver excellent shared care between principal treatment centres and services nearer home. Some of these needs are unmet in non-specialist units. There remains, however, a paucity of rigorous comparative studies quantifying the value of specialist cancer care for this patient group.