A review of the results from a patient experience survey of the palliative radiotherapy bone metastases service

Abstract

Introduction: A patient experience survey was undertaken as part of the role of the Macmillan Consultant Therapy Radiographer for the bone and brain metastases patients to inform future development of the service. Method: A questionnaire was developed and approved by the Trust’s local Questionnaire, Interview and Survey Group to survey the experiences and satisfaction of the service including the informed consent process, radiotherapy appointments and overall experience and satisfaction. The survey used qualitative and quantitative methods, including Likert Scales and free comment boxes. The responses were analysed by counting the frequency of each response and identifying any themes in free text responses. Results: Most patients were satisfied with the consent process with 1/36 patients reporting a lack of understandable information and 4/36 wanting more side effect information. The option of plan and treat was a preference of 53% of patients due to travelling back and forth to the centre; however, only 6% stated that they wanted two separate appointments. Ninety-four percent of patients felt that they had complete confidence and trust in the professional who consented them and 86% did not feel fully involved in the decision-making process. Overall, the service was rated as 10/10 by 61% of patients (n = 36). Conclusions: The patients surveyed were satisfied with their experience of the Palliative Radiotherapy Service; however, it needs to be developed further to meet the needs and expectations of the service users.