Problems of Organization of Radiation Diagnostics to Dispensary Cancer Patients

Currently, the Russian Federation pays unprecedented attention to the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this regard, the identification of problems at the stage of dispensary observation of patients with cancer is extremely important, and their solution will ensure the proper level of quality and availability of medical care provided to them. A sociological survey of 1230 patients under dispensary supervision of oncologists of regional oncology offices in St. Petersburg was conducted. Identified limitations to the availability of radiation diagnostic techniques for cancer patients observed in the primary cancer office under dispensary observation: the waiting time needed for patients diagnostic tests often exceed the standard (8,9% during ultrasound examination, 25,8% - computed tomography, 28,8% - ultrasound, 34,6% - magnetic resonance imaging, in some cases, patients have to pay for designated health services, all of which is guaranteed free of charge (advice of a specialist - 36,7 per 100 respondents, laboratory diagnostic tests - 35,4 per 100 respondents). When conducting diagnostics using radiation methods, patients were most often forced to pay for ultrasound (43,3 per 100 respondents). The identified problems affected patient’s perception of medical care: only 79,5% were satisfied with the organization of dispensary observation in the primary oncology office. Direct dependence of the low level of patients satisfaction with the organization of follow-up in primary cancer study on long waiting diagnostic studies, inability to get directions for the study directly from the oncologist, restrictions in its timely implementation is free, the lack of explanation from the treating oncologist on an order and conditions of granting of medical aid (p=0,05; r=0,7-1).