Patients' satisfaction with the rapid diagnosis and treatment programme for cancer (RDTPC). Observational study

OBJECTIVE. Evaluation of patients satisfaction with the Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment Programme for Cancer (RDTPC) and perception of anxiety. METHOD. A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample (n=294) of patients who subsequently were followed at the RDTPC for lung, breast and colon cancer. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire administered to users during their first visit at the RDTPC and a telephone call one month after their last visit. The questionnaire included 23 items that explore different aspects of satisfaction (accessibility, personal treatment, information and coordination), one item on perceived anxiety and one on overall satisfaction. Socio-demographic variables, origin of referral and diagnosis of cancer were also collected. RESULTS. The mean age was 60.1 years (SD=72.9); 57.8% were women. A total of 34.4%. were diagnosed of cancer. The level of overall satisfaction with the care received at the RDTPC was 9.3 (SD =7.2) out of 10 and 92.2% of patients reported that entering the RDTPC had helped them decrease their anxiety throughout the whole process. Depending on whether cancer was finally diagnosed or not, significant differences were observed in areas of accessibility and attention received. Patients diagnosed with cancer were more satisfied with the time period between the initial visit and diagnosis and between time of diagnosis and start of treatment. They also reported a higher satisfaction with the attention they received from the nurse in charge. CONCLUSIONS. The satisfaction of patients on the RDTPC is very high. Their assessment completes other indicators of the efficacy of the programme.