Charity study finds most cancer patents happy - but raises concerns over lack of care plan
Cancer patents in Scotland are overwhelmingly positive about the care they receive.
Research shows that of almost 5,000 cancer patients polled, 94% rate their care as seven out of 10 or higher.
The results of the survey also highlighted the importance of patients having a care plan.
Those patients who had a care plan responded more positively across all 50 questions in the survey than those who did not.
But only 22% of those surveyed had a care plan in place.
It is heartening to know that in the majority of cases, patients are satisfied with the care they receive
Results showed areas where improvements could be made in helping people access support for their wider emotional, financial and practical needs.
The Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey was commissioned by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support.
It asked people with cancer to provide feedback on their experience of the care they received at all stages of treatment.
Among the findings, it was shown that 87% of patients felt that they were always treated with dignity and respect by NHS staff and 86% had confidence and trust in the doctors treating them and 77% in nurses.
The survey found 86% reporting that they were told that they had cancer sensitively, but 28% of patients were not told that they could bring a family member or friend with them when they were told they had cancer.
Not all patients needed care and support at home, but among those that did, 54% reported getting enough care and support from health and social services during their treatment and 45% reported receiving enough care and support after treatment.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is heartening to know that in the majority of cases, patients are satisfied with the care they receive.
"Being diagnosed with cancer can be very traumatic for individuals and their families and it is vital we provide the best possible care and support.
"We know there is more to be done and that's why earlier this year we announced our £100m cancer strategy, which makes clear the importance of listening to what people with cancer are saying about what matters to them, and acting on what they tell us."
Macmillan’s head in Scotland, Janice Preston, said: “This survey shows that without a doubt, offering patients a holistic needs assessment and care plan is vitally important in ensuring they have a good experience of care.
“The gulf in the patient experience had by those who had a care plan compared to those who didn’t is truly startling, particularly when it comes to accessing emotional, practical and financial support.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government to make sure every cancer patient in the country is offered this as soon as possible.”
The study found that only 22% of patients were involved in a discussion about taking part in cancer research.
This prompted Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland, to say: “It is disappointing so few patients said they were involved in a discussion about taking part in cancer research. It is also concerning that more deprived groups are less likely to have this conversation, as this could show inequitable access for patients looking to participate in research in Scotland. As there is a clear desire by patients to take part in research we believe that they should be given the opportunity to do so.
“Cancer survival has doubled over the last 40 years, an achievement that’s been possible thanks to pioneering research into better and kinder treatments. One day we hope to see the day when all cancers are cured. For this to happen, it is absolutely vital that patients are given the opportunity to take part in research.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is heartening to know that in the majority of cases, patients are satisfied with the care they receive.
“Being diagnosed with cancer can be very traumatic for individuals and their families and it is vital we provide the best possible care and support.
“We know there is more to be done and that’s why earlier this year we announced our £100 million cancer strategy, which makes clear the importance of listening to what people with cancer are saying about what matters to them, and acting on what they tell us.
“The results of this survey is the first step in this process and will support us in making improvements in cancer care across Scotland.
“We will be working with NHS and social care through NHS and integration joint boards as well as stakeholders and people with cancer to ensure support for cancer patients at every stage of their treatment is embedded in every day service delivery.”
