The Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences-CH (SCAPE-CH) survey

A multicenter cross-sectional survey of patient experiences with cancer care across Switzerland

INTRODUCTION: Collecting patients’ experiences with care provision is essential to evaluate the quality of care in general, and responsiveness of care in particular, one of the core dimensions of high-quality care. These measures are particularly important when caring for people with chronical diseases such as cancer, as care is often long-term and complex, involving a multitude of health professionals. After a first and second survey conducted in 2018 and 2021, we conducted a third survey in 2023 to collect patient-reported experiences of care measures (PREMs). The main objective was to explore experiences of care of people treated for any type of cancer in hospitals across Switzerland.
METHODS: Patients from the 21 participating cancer centers across all linguistic regions in Switzerland received the paper questionnaire at home, with the possibility of completing the questionnaire online, in October 2023. The questionnaire includes questions about experiences of care before the diagnosis, at diagnosis (e.g., diagnostic testing, communication about the cancer diagnosis, decision-making about the cancer treatment), during inpatient and outpatient care at the hospital (including experiences related to cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), as well as experiences with home care and support and survivorship care.
RESULTS: Of the 16,963 patients invited to participate in the survey, 7,844 completed and returned the questionnaire, resulting in a participation rate of 46%. The results indicate a high overall level of satisfaction with the care received. Key strengths include diagnostic examinations (information and timeliness), inpatient hospital care (being treated with respect, pain management, staff availability), and information provided about treatment options and treatments received. However, the findings also highlight areas for improvement in several key domains: support and involvement of carers, information and support regarding long-term side effects, and post-treatment support (home care and follow-up). Additionally, communication about financial assistance and social resources could be improved to better meet patients' needs.