The perception gap of chemotherapy-induced adverse events between doctors and cancer patients: an observational study in China

Introduction Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been widely accepted in western countries. However, limited attention has been given to PROs in China due to a lack of research on the agreement between doctors’ and patients’ reports of adverse events. This study aims to reveal the perception gap of chemotherapy-induced adverse events between doctors and cancer patients in China. Methods An observational study was administered at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). Totally, 200 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy participated. Patient reports were collected by nurses via telephone. Doctor reports were collected by nurses based on their medical records. The agreement between doctors and patients was analyzed by Cohen’s κ. Results Agreement between doctors and patients varied among different symptoms: 0.26 for nausea/vomiting, 0.49 for constipation, 0.63 for diarrhea, 0.65 for general pain, and 0.76 for rash. Doctors’ underreporting rates were 70% for nausea/vomiting, 50% for diarrhea, 38% for rash, 33% for constipation, and 29% for general pain. Conclusions The perception gap of chemotherapy-induced adverse events between doctors and patients exists in China, especially regarding subjective symptoms. Introduction of PROs in both clinical trials and routine clinical practice should be considered in China.