Open AccessGender‐Related Needs and Preferences in Cancer Care Indicate the Need for an Individualized Approach to Cancer Patients
Author(s) -
Wessels Hester,
Graeff Alexander,
Wynia Klaske,
Heus Miriam,
Kruitwagen Cas L.J.J.,
Woltjer Gerda T.G.J.,
Teunissen Saskia C.C.M.,
Voest Emile E.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0337
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer , oncology , family medicine
Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Enumerate reasons for a patient‐centered model of care and plan changes in your practice/facility consistent with patient‐centered care. Differentiate between the general preferences of male and female cancer patients and tailor care of individual patients accordingly.This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.comAim. 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.