Only 22% of cancer patients in Scotland receive care plans, despite evidence that they improve the experience of treatment, the Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey has found.
The survey of 4835 cancer patients found that 73% of patients with a care plan said that they received enough care and support from health or social services after treatment, compared with 34% who did not have a care plan. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, this is due to care plans being able to assess the needs of patients beyond treatment.
‘Not everyone has the kind of complex needs that a cancer nurse specialist is best to support with,’ said Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan Cancer Support’s director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. ‘For some people, what they really need is a counsellor or benefits advisor or someone to help them make meals at home when they’re feeling too ill. That’s why every patient must have their needs assessed and a care plan put in place so they get the support that is best for them.’
The survey also found that found that 84% of patients being treated for cancer saw a specialist nurse, which has been linked to better care.’We’re pleased that the majority of people were given access to a cancer nurse specialist but we want everyone who needs one to get one, regardless of where they live or the type of cancer they have,’ added Ms Atkinson. ‘Research from elsewhere in the UK strongly suggests that having a cancer nurse specialist leads to better patient experience.’
Overall, the survey painted a positive picture of patients’ experience of care during cancer treatment. Of those involved 87% of patients felt they were always treated with dignity and respect, while 77% said that they had confidence and trust in all the nurses treating them.
‘It is essential that people with cancer know about their treatment and are able to access to information, advice and support tailored to their individual needs,’ said Shona Robison, the Scottish health secretary. ‘Our cancer strategy makes clear the importance of ensuring that ongoing wellbeing needs are addressed at the same time as health needs.’