Assessing Patient Satisfaction in a Radiation Therapy Department Using a Survey Tool.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to use a survey tool to measure the level of patient satisfaction with current health care delivery in the radiation therapy department, and provide insight into how the department can improve quality of care. METHODS: An anonymous patient satisfaction survey was distributed to radiation therapy patients near the end of their course of treatment. The survey was distributed over a 1-month timeframe to outpatients more than 18 years of age receiving a radical course of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five surveys were distributed, and 80 surveys were returned for a response rate of 55%. Patients were satisfied with their experience in terms of environmental features such as the waiting rooms and treatment rooms, accessibility and convenience of treatment including wait times, and the interpersonal relationships and clinical competence of the care providers. Results showed a variation in the use of support services depending on the treatment site. CONCLUSION: The survey tool was useful in showing that overall, patients were satisfied with the care in the radiation therapy department at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The survey was also useful for comparing patients' opinions between treatment site groups. The survey responses provided few ideas for improvement strategies. For future directions, the survey may be distributed at regular intervals as a method of measuring levels of patient satisfaction on an ongoing basis.

The Effects of Post-Radiation Education Pamphlet On Self-efficacy in Cancer Patients.

Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy often experience anxiety and a sense of loss of control immediately after completion of their active treatment. This study aims to evaluate, using a cross-sectional survey, the effects of a post-radiation education pamphlet on the self-efficacy of cancer patients in terms of seeking/understanding medical information, seeking support, and coping with radiation side effects. Forty-eight patients from various age groups with a variety of cancer diagnoses were recruited from the Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. Descriptive analysis of 35 survey responses suggests that the pamphlet improved patient self-efficacy in terms of seeking and understanding medical information, seeking support, and coping with radiation side effects. The benefits of the pamphlet were also found to be independent of patients' education level. Despite the small sample size, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of the education pamphlet in improving patient self-efficacy and gives support to the pamphlet's utility in improving the transition care of cancer patients finishing radiotherapy. In parallel, 40 Princess Margaret Hospital Radiation Medicine Program staff members were also asked, via online surveys, about their awareness of the pamphlet, and its usefulness in terms of content, format, and timing of the information provided. More than 90% of the staff indicated that the pamphlet was an effective tool. Only 57% of oncologists were aware of the pamphlet's existence.