Understanding Cancer Patients' Needs, Values, and Preferences: Utilizing Thematic Synthesis and Exploratory Factor Analysis to Inform Patient-Centered Cancer Care

Kerri-Anne Parkes, The University of Texas School of Public Health

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the U. S. and internationally (Stewart & Wild, 2014). Building on previous patient-centered care (PCC) models and research may help improve cancer patients’ care experiences by increasing the understanding of PCC, and its components and mechanisms. Increased understanding of PCC can help advance its operationalization and assessment, and support action to address the unique challenges of this patient population and oncology practice. Methods: Two studies were conducted: a thematic synthesis of the qualitative cancer literature relating to patient values, needs and preferences using systematic review methods; and an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the modified Patients and the Cancer Care Experience Survey (PCCE), a self-reported measure developed to assess the perceived importance of social, emotional, physical, and informational aspects of cancer care among adult cancer patients in the U.S. Results: Descriptive and analytic themes emerged from the thematic synthesis. The descriptive themes for values were family, normality, hope, autonomy, and outcome values. For needs, they were information, support, and privacy needs; and for preferences they were information delivery, care coordination, emotional support, disclosure, treatment, and decision-making preferences. The EFA indicated the following five-factor model: 1) Quality of Life, 2) Provider Social Support, 3) Psychosocial Needs, 4) Non-provider Social Support, and 5) Health Information and Decision-Making Support. Statistically significant associations were found between factors and patients’ demographic characteristics and cancer diagnoses. Conclusion: The findings of this research support and build on previous PCC research and models and provide greater insight on how the provision of PCC may differ for cancer patients.

Subject Area

Public health|Behavioral Sciences|Oncology

Recommended Citation

Parkes, Kerri-Anne, "Understanding Cancer Patients' Needs, Values, and Preferences: Utilizing Thematic Synthesis and Exploratory Factor Analysis to Inform Patient-Centered Cancer Care" (2018). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI10790173.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI10790173

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