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Research Article
Demetra Yannitsos
University of Calgary
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5515-8388
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Previous studies have found that patients with lung cancer report worse patient experience compared to other tumour groups. Reasons that may negatively impact patient experience include delays in diagnosis as well as inadequate symptom management. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic timelines and symptom reports of patients with lung and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with lung or GI cancers who attended a radiation oncology (RO) consultation and/or received radiation treatment between May and August 2019. Data collected included demographics, dates of diagnostic time points and self-reported symptom scores across 3 time points. A descriptive analysis was completed and the median number of days between time points were compared between tumour groups.
Results: Patients with lung cancer experienced a greater diagnostic delay compared to GI patients, specifically regarding the median number of days between the first investigative test and biopsy, with a difference of 21 days between tumour groups (p<0.05). From RO consultation to the first treatment review appointment, 25% and 4% of lung and GI patients, respectively, reported worsening of symptoms. A greater proportion of lung patients reported worse symptoms scores during treatment compared to GI patients. This varied by specific symptom.
Conclusions: Delays in receiving a diagnosis and worse symptom experience during radiation treatment were demonstrated in this study and may indicate potential targets to improve patient experience.
Keywords
patient-centered care, patient experience, symptom severity, oncology
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CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
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Posted 16 Apr, 2021
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Received 15 Jun, 2021
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Cancer Biology
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A new preprint design is coming!
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This preprint is under consideration at Supportive Care in Cancer. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research Article
Demetra Yannitsos
University of Calgary
Corresponding Author
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5515-8388
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 16 Apr, 2021
No community comments so far
Reviews received
Received 15 Jun, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 11 Apr, 2021
First submitted
On 15 Mar, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Cancer Biology
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Previous studies have found that patients with lung cancer report worse patient experience compared to other tumour groups. Reasons that may negatively impact patient experience include delays in diagnosis as well as inadequate symptom management. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic timelines and symptom reports of patients with lung and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
Methods: This study included patients diagnosed with lung or GI cancers who attended a radiation oncology (RO) consultation and/or received radiation treatment between May and August 2019. Data collected included demographics, dates of diagnostic time points and self-reported symptom scores across 3 time points. A descriptive analysis was completed and the median number of days between time points were compared between tumour groups.
Results: Patients with lung cancer experienced a greater diagnostic delay compared to GI patients, specifically regarding the median number of days between the first investigative test and biopsy, with a difference of 21 days between tumour groups (p<0.05). From RO consultation to the first treatment review appointment, 25% and 4% of lung and GI patients, respectively, reported worsening of symptoms. A greater proportion of lung patients reported worse symptoms scores during treatment compared to GI patients. This varied by specific symptom.
Conclusions: Delays in receiving a diagnosis and worse symptom experience during radiation treatment were demonstrated in this study and may indicate potential targets to improve patient experience.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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