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Improving Outpatient Cancer Care in Gynecologic Oncology: Understanding Patient Preferences During Their Waiting Room Experience

delete2026-07-27
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OA
AI
L
Latteefah Alnaeem *
W
Wafa Ali J. Almohri
C
Clare J. Reade
W
Waldo Jimenez
S
Sarah Mah
A
Andra Nica
J
Julie Nguyen
L
Lua R. Eiriksson *
DOI:10.3390/curroncol33080447delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Background: Waiting-room time is an important and neglected element of the outpatient experience in the field of oncology, which carries far-reaching consequences for overall patient satisfaction, perceptions of quality, and healthcare experience. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, conducted at the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Canada, from October to December 2024. Results: We studied 418 patients with a mean age of 61.6 years. Overall, 59.6% of respondents had spent less than 30 min in the waiting room, while 56.2% accepted a delay of 15–30 min. Waiting for more than 30–45 min was perceived as long by 61% of participants. In regards to physician choice, 59.8% of respondents preferred to be seen by their known provider, while 30.9% were ready to meet another one, particularly in terms of scheduled regular follow-up and urgent appointments followed by consultations. Interestingly, chemotherapy visits were the least common type of appointment where patients agreed to see different providers. A significant association was identified between appointment types and readiness to change physicians (p < 0.05). Although 78.7% agreed that delays were caused by complex conditions, only 29.2% received sufficient information about delays. Conclusions: Most gynecologic oncology patients want continuity of care, yet many are flexible with consultations, follow-up, and urgent visits. In outpatient clinics, patient-centered scheduling, balancing efficiency and patient satisfaction with better communication is an objective for system improvements.
Keywords:
gynecologic oncology
waiting room
patient satisfaction
continuity of care
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Journal

C
Current Oncology
IF:
3.4
Papers:
780
Citations:
0

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K
King Abdulaziz University
Scholars:
1.9W
Papers: 1.9W
Citations: 3.3W
M
mcmaster university
Scholars:
4.8K
Papers: 2.0K
Citations: 0
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