Analysis of local qualitative cancer patient experience alongside the 2019 results of the UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey

Abstract

Objectives This study analyses data from local qualitative interviewing about what matters most to patients with information from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) to formulate an accurate improvement plan. This study seeks to provide a deeper analysis of the results of the 2019 NCPES. Methods Qualitative data were collected through a focus group, telephone and virtual interviews from patients in North East London. Ten questions from the NCPES were asked. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an NVivo framework matrix. The results were analysed considering the 2019 National Cancer Patient Experience report. Key findings In total, 17 patients and 4 carers participated. The interview answers provided a more in-depth response when compared with the NCPES results, allowing for a deeper understanding of patient experience. This provided an insightful understanding of what matters most to our patients. Conclusions The NCPES results are not always reflective of the patient population. Limitations of the survey make it hard for healthcare providers to develop accurate improvement plans. It is important to use other data sources such as qualitative interviewing alongside the NCPES. The data collated during this study have been used to identify themes and deliverables for achievable and sustainable improvements to be made.

Factors influencing cancer patients’ experiences of care in the USA, United Kingdom, and Canada: A systematic review

“… To assess whether being assigned a clinical nurse specialist is associated with better cancer patients' experiences 2 Patients who reported being given the name of a CNS in the CPES reported better care experiences on four aspects of care: involvement in treatment decisions, care coordination, treatment with respect and dignity, and overall care experience. Dalby et al., 2021 51 Analysis of local qualitative cancer patient experience alongside the 2019 results of the UK National Cancer Patient Experience Survey A qualitative study using ten questions from the CPES in a local population This study aimed to provide a in depth analysis of the results of the 2019 CPES. 3 The overall national CPES results do not always reflect focus group or interview findings using the same questions.…”

“…38 In addition, a qualitative study comparing the CPES 2019 results with those obtained using the same questions at focus groups and interviews suggested whether the survey questions were not specific enough to represent patients’ experiences in sufficient detail. 51 …”