A French Study on Factors That Hinder or Facilitate Cancer Patients’ Coodination of Care.

Abstract

Background: While coordinated care has been associated with better outcomes in cancer patients, French studies on this topic are still sparse. Therefore, we set out to explore the factors that could impact on the continuity of care in cancer settings. Methods: 90 semi-structured interviews were carried out with various hospital practitioners (e.g. physicians, nurses, medical secretaries), general practitioners, cancer patients, and patients’ relatives. A thematic analysis was performed using N-Vivo 10 software. Findings: Contrasting themes emerged between the different interviewees. Healthcare professionals highlighted a lack of time and material resources, and of clear task assignments concerning the continuity of patients' care. On the other hand, patients and relatives focused on the quality of relations with healthcare professionals as a major determinant of healthcare coordination. Patients also pointed out the importance of their relatives’ help in the management of their care. Discussion: The links between various French cancer healthcare professionals should be reinforced, and the role of relatives more taken into account as facilitators of patients' care.