Perceived quality of care and its associated factors among Chinese patients with advanced cancer: findings from the APPROACH study in Beijing

Purpose Patient-perceived quality of care has become an increasingly important index within the healthcare setting. We examined patient-reported overall quality of care and patient experiences in three specific domains of care (physician communication, nursing care, and care coordination) in a sample of Chinese patients with advanced cancer. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with stage IV cancer patients (N = 202) who were recruited from a public, tertiary hospital in Beijing. Study participants completed surveys administered by a research assistant. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to examine the extent to which patient demographic factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status), disease/treatment factors, and domain-specific care were associated with overall quality of care. Results A majority of patients reported overall quality of care scores that we were either excellent (23%) or very good (41%). Patients reported highest ratings in the domain of nursing care (M = 87.57, SD = 31.05), followed by physician communication (M = 68.93, SD = 32.30), and care coordination (M = 66.79, SD = 25.17). Better perceived physician communication (b = 0.17,p < 0.01), care coordination (b = 0.26,p < 0.01), and higher socioeconomic status (b = 11.30,p < 0.05) were associated with higher overall quality of care. Conclusions A majority of patients with advanced cancer in this Chinese hospital reported positive overall quality of care. Physician communication and care coordination are potential areas to focus on to improve patient-reported overall quality of care. Understanding perceptions of care quality will allow opportunities to improve delivery of healthcare.

Automated summary

The majority of patients with advanced cancer in this Chinese hospital reported positive overall quality of care. Physician communication and care coordination are potential areas to focus on to improve patient-reported overall quality of care.