This article looks at the satisfaction of parents and patients with cancer treatment in Swiss medical institutions. It examines the difficulties patients experience during cancer treatment and paediatric oncology in Switzerland as a whole.
Short interviews were conducted with 19 parents and with 17 children who had been diagnosed with cancer and were undergoing treatment in Switzerland. The interviews included questions on communication and decision-making at the time of diagnosis and throughout the illness. In this article we analysed these interviews using thematic coding to identify themes relating to satisfaction with treatment.
In general, participants reported that they were very satisfied with the care they received. The aspects that contributed to their satisfaction were:
- the friendliness and responsiveness of the medical staff;
- considerate communication;
- specialists going beyond the call of duty in caring for the family during treatment.
Although those interviewed were mainly satisfied with the care provided, participants noted a number of issues that caused certain difficulties. These included:
- frequent changes of doctor or receiving care from other departments, which to them represented a lack of continuity of care;
- language problems;
- difficulties with questions relating to the child’s reproductive health.
In addition, patients suggested several ways of improving the hospital stay and thereby patient satisfaction.
Participants reported that they were very satisfied with the medical services provided by paediatric oncology departments. Nevertheless, they also identified issues worth addressing in order to meet the needs of patients and their families effectively during this difficult experience. Further research is needed to explore how care for children with cancer and their families can be improved still further.
