Care quality and satisfaction at the cancer hospital – a questionnaire study of older patients with cancer and their family members

Background The unique life situations of older patients with cancer and their family members requires that health care professionals take a holistic approach to achieve quality care. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of older patients with cancer and family members about the quality of care received and evaluate differences between their perceptions. A further aim was to examine which factors explain patients’ and family members’ levels of satisfaction with the care received. Methods The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. Data were collected from patients ( n = 81) and their family members ( n = 65) on four wards in a cancer hospital, using the Revised Humane Caring Scale (RHCS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, crosstabulation, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and multivariable Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results Family members had more negative perceptions of the quality of care than patients did. Dissatisfaction was related to professional practice ( p < 0.001), interaction between patient and health care professionals ( p < 0.001), cognition of physical needs ( p = 0.024), and human resources ( p < 0.001). Satisfaction with overall care was significantly lower among those patients and family members who perceived that they had not been involved in setting clear goals for the patient's care with staff ( p = 0.002). Conclusions It is important that older patients with cancer and family members receive friendly, respectful, individual care based on their needs and hopes, and that they can rely on professionals. Health care professionals need more resources and education about caring for older cancer patients to provide quality care.