With cancer survival rates at an all-time high, a national annual survey of patients has revealed the best results in its history, with almost 70,000 patients rating their overall care nine out of 10.
The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey asks people with cancer across England to rate their care using a scale of zero for ‘very poor’ to 10 for ‘very good’.
Overall ratings continue to improve, with year-on-year increases in reported positive experience. Patients also reported more positively on areas including involvement in decision-making about care and treatment, and being treated with dignity and respect.
The annual survey also helps to highlight areas in which more work is needed, ensuring continuous improvement. One such area highlighted by the latest (2017) survey is follow up community and social care after treatment. Work is now under way to improve in this area to ensure patients receive personalised care to live with and beyond cancer.
Key findings of the national cancer patient experience survey for 2017 include:
- The 69,072 respondents gave an average rating of 8.8 out of 10, with 94% of patient giving a rating of 7 or higher – a statistically significant increase on last year’s score.
- 79% of respondents said they were definitely involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about their care – another statistically significant increase from last year
- 91% of respondents said they were given the name of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) who would support them through their treatment – another statistically significant increase from last year – while the majority of respondents said it had been “quite easy” or “very easy” to contact their CNS
- 89% of respondents said that, overall, they were always treated with dignity and respect while they were in hospital – again, a statistically significant increase from last year
- 94% of respondents said that hospital staff told them who to contact if they were worried about their condition or treatment after they left hospital.
Cally Palmer, NHS England’s National Cancer Director, said: “The results of this survey are a testament to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff. Supporting people with cancer is a key part of the NHS’ ten-year plan, which is why one of our key ambitions is to put cancer patient experience front and centre of our work.
“The latest statistics are clear – the number of people living beyond cancer is at a record high and we now know that the vast majority of people with cancer also feel positive about the care they receive.”
● The full results of the latest National Cancer Patient Experience Survey can be found by clicking here.