Background: The Cancer Network WA commissioned a Cancer Patient Experience Survey, recognising patient voice as an important pillar of health sustainability. The project aimed to identify areas in cancer care that are important to patients, through determining health service gaps and variations in patient experience across their cancer journey. This work complimented a UWA research programme in value-based cancer care, the CIC Cancer project.
Methods: The All.Can International patient experience survey was adapted for use. Data collected reflected patient experiences of diagnosis, care and treatment plus continuing support and financial impacts of cancer on quality of life. Surveys were mailed to all 10,348 people over 18 years diagnosed with cancer in WA in 2019 and were posted back or completed on-line.
Results: 3238 (31.3%) surveys were received, 3182 via mail and 56 online. Respondents were representative across WA in respect of age, sex, cancer type and location. A strength of findings was the breadth of cancers represented, providing significant insight into diverse cancer journey pathways. More respondents were treated privately (n-1295, 40.0%) than publicly (n-1123, 34.7%) with 742 (22.9%) indicating both. The most commonly reported cancers were prostate (23.3%), breast (19.1%), melanoma (11.5%) and colorectal (9.9%). Well over 80% of respondents were satisfied with their cancer experience.
Rural and remote respondents had additional costs compared to metropolitan respondents if treatment occurred in Perth, especially related to running dual households and travel. Younger respondents indicated every area of their care could be improved, possibly due to higher expectations. Opportunities for improvements, as highlighted by respondents, include improved communication, efficient and timely access, and support.
Conclusion: This is the first cancer population patient experience research conducted in Western Australia. Findings will inform the planning and development of future cancer services. It is recommended further surveys occur regularly.