Informational Needs of Surgical Oncology Patients: A Cross-Sectional Patient Survey.
J Surg Res
; 283: 771-777, 2023 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36470202
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Patients newly diagnosed with cancer often seek information prior to being seen by a specialist. Little is known about the type of information desired and the sources used. We asked how patients find information about their new cancer diagnoses to improve information provision.METHODS:
An anonymous seven-question survey was provided to new patients in the surgical and medical oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center from February 2021 to June 2021.RESULTS:
Of 503 consecutive patients, 405 (81%) returned surveys; 49% female, 57% aged 51-75 y, and 71% Caucasian. Many (74%) sought information before their visit. Most (57%) relied on prior medical providers and 77% reported them as a trusted source. Nearly 80% of patients used at least one nonvalidated resource; 21% friends and relatives, 20% nongovernment or hospital resources, and 12% social media. Importantly, 23% found conflicting information. Respondents desired information on cancer treatment (58%), alternative therapies (35%), and nutrition and supplements (31%).CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with cancer trust information from medical providers but seek information from a variety of sources that can provide conflicting information. These data support encouraging patients to use validated sources, providing robust organization-based resources, and engaging patients on topics such as alternative therapies and nutrition.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Oncologia Cirúrgica
/
Neoplasias
Tipo de estudo:
Prevalence_studies
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article