All.Can Patient Survey

31 Respondents often felt overwhelmed by the information they received. A recurring theme in qualitative responses was that respondents felt overwhelmed by all the information they received at the point of diagnosis, and would rather have had information provided at each stage of their care. ‘It would have been good to have access to resources at appropriate points during treatment i.e. before surgery, before radiation. I found I was given all the information at once, which was too much.’ Respondent from Australia Respondents also spoke of a disconnect between the language used by their doctors and what they could understand. They often did not know where to begin or what to ask, as the experience of cancer was new to them. What we know Information needs vary from one patient to another and are influenced by many factors. 21 22 They also change along the care pathway. 23 Many studies show that patients often do not fully comprehend what their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment mean. This can be due to them not fully understanding the terminology used, not receiving all relevant information or not being able to recall what they have been told during medical appointments. 22 24-26 ‘How can you ask a question when you have never had chemotherapy before? It’s like being given a lemon meringue pie and not knowing what it tastes like until you try it!’ Respondent from Australia Overview of findings Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency ‘Some of the information was not relevant to my situation. To go through all the information was beyond what I was up for, so most of it remained unread.’ Respondent from Canada There were also comments that the information provided was not always tailored to the patient’s individual experience or stage of treatment.