Pre-referral general practitioner consultations and subsequent experience of cancer care: evidence from the English Cancer Patient Experience Survey

• DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12353
• Publication Date: 2015-07-30T23:08:09Z
• Authors: S.C. Mendonca; G.A. Abel; C.L. Saunders; J. Wardle; G. Lyratzopoulos
• Keywords: Patient Experience

Prolonged diagnostic intervals may negatively affect the patient experience of subsequent cancer care, but evidence about this assertion is sparse. We analysed data from 73 462 respondents to two English Cancer Patient Experience Surveys examine whether patients with three or more (3+) pre-referral consultations were likely report negative experiences care compared one in respect 12 a priori selected survey questions. For each items, logistic regression models used, adjusting for prior consultation category, site, socio-demographic case-mix and response tendency (to capture potential variation critical tendencies between individuals). There was strong (P < 0.01 all) that 3+ reported worse 10/12 questions, adjusted odds ratios 1-2 ranging 1.10 (95% confidence 1.03-1.17) 1.68 (1.60-1.77), +1.8% +10.6% greater percentage reporting experience. Associations stronger processes involving primary as opposed hospital care; evaluation than items. Considering 1, 2, 3-4 '5+' separately 'dose-response' relationship apparent. conclude there association multiple pre-diagnostic general practitioner care.