Beyond Medical Care: How Different National Models of Care Impact the Experience of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients
Details
Publication Year 2023,Volume 12,Issue #6,Page 859-867
Journal Title
Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology
Publication Type
Research article
Abstract
Patient experience is positively associated with clinical effectiveness, quality care, and patient safety. This study examines the experience of care of adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer patients from Australia and the United States, allowing a comparison of patient experiences in the context of different national models of cancer care delivery. Participants (n = 190) were aged 15-29 years and received cancer treatment from 2014 to 2019. Australians (n = 118) were recruited nationally by health care professionals. U.S. participants (n = 72) were recruited nationally via social media. The survey included demographic and disease variables, and questions regarding medical treatment, information and support provision, care coordination, and satisfaction across the treatment pathway. Sensitivity analyses examined the possible contribution of age and gender. Most patients from both countries were satisfied or very satisfied with their medical treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery). There were significant differences between countries in the provision of fertility preservation services, age-appropriate communication, and psychosocial support. Our findings suggest when a national system of oversight with both state and federal funding is implemented, as is the case in Australia but not in the United States, significantly more AYAs with cancer receive age-appropriate information and support services, and improved access to specialist services such as fertility care. A national approach with government funding and centralized accountability appears to be associated with substantial benefits for the well-being of AYAs undergoing cancer treatment.
Keywords
Adolescent; Humans; Young Adult; Australia; *Fertility Preservation/psychology; *Neoplasms/therapy/psychology; Patient Care; United States; Adult
Department(s)
AYA Cancer Service
PubMed ID
37219896
Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2022.0182
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
Refer to copyright notice on published article.


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