TY - JOUR
T1 - Gender-related needs and preferences in cancer care indicate the need for an individualized approach to cancer patients
AU - Wessels, Hester
AU - de Graeff, Alexander
AU - Wynia, Klaske
AU - de Heus, Miriam
AU - Kruitwagen, Cas L J J
AU - Woltjer, Gerda T G J
AU - Teunissen, Saskia C C M
AU - Voest, Emile E
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - AIM: Improving quality of care for cancer patients requires insight into their specific wishes, needs, and preferences concerning cancer care. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of gender on cancer patients' needs and preferences.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 386 questionnaires assessing cancer patients' preferences for health care. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with data obtained from medical oncology patients treated in seven Dutch hospitals, using the scales of the questionnaire as dependent variables.RESULTS: Patients rated safety, expertise, performance, and attitude of physicians and nurses highest on their list of preferences. There were significant differences between male and female patients concerning preferences in health care in 15 of the 21 scales and in two of the eight single items. Without exception, women found the care aspects mentioned in these scales and items more important than men. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, of all the patient- and disease-related factors, gender was the most important independent predictor of patient preferences.CONCLUSION: Gender impacts cancer patients' needs and preferences and should be taken into account for optimal cancer care. Cancer care might be tailored toward gender, for example, with regard to the means and extent of communication, manner and extent of support, counseling and rehabilitation, consultation length, and physician assignment. The results of this study may guide health care professionals and organizations to develop a gender-specific health care approach to further improve cancer patient-centered care.
AB - AIM: Improving quality of care for cancer patients requires insight into their specific wishes, needs, and preferences concerning cancer care. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of gender on cancer patients' needs and preferences.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 386 questionnaires assessing cancer patients' preferences for health care. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with data obtained from medical oncology patients treated in seven Dutch hospitals, using the scales of the questionnaire as dependent variables.RESULTS: Patients rated safety, expertise, performance, and attitude of physicians and nurses highest on their list of preferences. There were significant differences between male and female patients concerning preferences in health care in 15 of the 21 scales and in two of the eight single items. Without exception, women found the care aspects mentioned in these scales and items more important than men. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, of all the patient- and disease-related factors, gender was the most important independent predictor of patient preferences.CONCLUSION: Gender impacts cancer patients' needs and preferences and should be taken into account for optimal cancer care. Cancer care might be tailored toward gender, for example, with regard to the means and extent of communication, manner and extent of support, counseling and rehabilitation, consultation length, and physician assignment. The results of this study may guide health care professionals and organizations to develop a gender-specific health care approach to further improve cancer patient-centered care.
KW - Female
KW - Gender Identity
KW - Humans
KW - Male
KW - Neoplasms
KW - Patient Preference
KW - Patient Satisfaction
KW - Sex Factors
U2 - 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0337
DO - 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0337
M3 - Article
C2 - 20507890
SN - 1083-7159
VL - 15
SP - 648
EP - 655
JO - Oncologist
JF - Oncologist
IS - 6
ER -