Risk factors for patient-reported errors during cancer follow-up: Results from a national survey in Denmark.

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Risk factors for patient-reported errors during cancer follow-up: Results from a national survey in Denmark.

Cancer Epidemiol. 2017 08;49:38-45

Authors: Christiansen AH, Lipczak H, Knudsen JL, Kejs AMT

Abstract
Due to an increased cancer survival, more cancer patients are referred to follow-up after primary treatment. Knowledge of patient safety during follow-up is sparse.
OBJECTIVE: To examine patient-reported errors during cancer follow-up and identify factors associated with errors.
DESIGN: A national survey on cancer patients' experiences of treatment and aftercare was conducted in 2012, about two years following cancer diagnosis (N=6914). Associations between patient-reported errors during follow-up and covariates were examined using multiple logistic regression. Qualitative responses were analysed using text analysis.
RESULTS: This study included 3731 patients, representing a response rate of 64%. Overall, 27.6% of patients reported at least one error during cancer follow-up. 11.7% reported that important information was missing at follow-up consultations; 9.8% were not called in for a follow-up as expected; 16.7% reported that the doctor/nurse handling the follow-up consultation were ill-prepared on their course of disease. Other errors were reported by 4.7%. Patients who reported errors in follow-up were more likely to report an error or complication during primary cancer treatment, not having one health professional with oversight and responsibility for their overall follow-up pathway, be younger, have a diagnosis of rare cancer, poorer self-rated health and high usage of healthcare services.
CONCLUSION: Workflows related to handling of test results, referrals, bookings and medical records have to be improved. Introduction of one particular healthcare professional responsible for the patients' follow-up may result in fewer patient-reported errors however interventions are needed to examine this. Patients prone to errors should be subject to particular attention.

PMID: 28544919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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