New Approach for Collecting Cancer Patients’ Views and Preferences Through Medical Staff

Tomoko Takayama,1 Yoji Inoue,1 Rie Yokota,2 Masayo Hayakawa,1 Chikako Yamaki,1 Yasushi Toh3 1Cancer Information Service Division, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Health Communication, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; 3National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, JapanCorrespondence: Tomoko TakayamaCancer Information Service Division, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, JapanTel +81-3-3542-2511 Ex. 1621Fax +81-3-3547-8577Email totakaya@ncc.go.jpPurpose: It is crucial for health professionals to understand patients’ and families’ views and preferences (PVPs) to enhance their adherence to treatments and subsequent satisfaction. Regularly and consistently collecting comprehensive information on the needs and concerns of patients/families and utilizing the information is vital for improving clinical practice and the healthcare environment. As an initial approach, this study aimed to develop a new system for appropriately collecting PVPs regarding cancer from nationwide medical staff and consider the potential utilization of PVPs in clinical practice.Methods: Web-based anonymous surveys were conducted with medical staff in nationwide cancer care hospitals in Japan. The surveys queried the questions, values, desires, and experiences expressed by cancer patients or their families on five topics, namely two cancer sites (colorectal and esophageal cancers) and three symptoms and signs (lymphedema, urinary symptoms, and tingling/numbness/pain) within the past year. The PVPs were compared to the five topics and staff medical specialties, and those on tingling/numbness/pain were analyzed qualitatively.Results: Among the 904 medical staff who responded to this survey, the PVPs encountered by the staff differed according to the topic and staff medical speci