Advanced support for quality of life in oncology: Brazilian private and public health insurance cancer patients' point of view.

Abstract

e18229 Background: Cancer patients suffer from burden symptoms and adverse events which compromise quality-of-life. Early palliative care involvement of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients has demonstrated increased overall survival. Advanced Support for Quality-of-Life in Oncology - ASQO - addresses cancer and its treatment complications aiming a safe cure or symptom control and dignified death. Measure cancer patients' background and interest about their disease is critical for planning care. To study the point of view of cancer patients about ASQO and compare private and public Brazilian health insurance cancer patients. Methods: An interview was performed and SPSS was used to find means and rates. The protocol was approved by Federal University of Pernambuco ethics committee and all patients signed informed consent Results: 48 patients were interviewed, 28 at Hospital das Clinicas Federal University of Pernambuco and 20 at ÓNKOS Oncology. Attached tables show demographic data and patients’ background, interest and opinion. The topics on which more and less patients’ background were “Chances of cure” (85%) and “Fertility” (25%); Fertility (59%) and participation in clinical research (40%) were the subjects for which more and less patients wanted additional information; Among those patients who wanted additional information about any topic, the theme on which more and less comments were made were “Pain” (100%) and individualization of treatment (10%); Goals of treatment (89%) and fertility (41%) were the subjects that more and less patients were satisfied with the information received Conclusions: In Brazil, the majority of cancer patients don’t have the opportunity to discuss treatment goals and fertility is not widely discussed with them. This translated into highest percentage of interest in the subject and a higher degree of dissatisfaction with the information received, despite median age of 58 years in the study population. The high prevalence of uncontrolled pain reflected in 100% of responders have made additional comments, indicating a need for health professionals education to adequately manage this symptom. Clinical trial information: CAAE 50921215.8.0000.5208.