Patient experiences and preferences: development of practice guidelines in a cancer imaging department

Objective: To improve patient management based on analysis of the results of a survey conducted during their visit to the imaging department of a cancer centre. Materials and methods: A questionnaire comprising 30 single-response questions on a dichotomous scale or a 3- or 4-modality scale was developed by three radiologists specialized in oncology, the head of our quality assurance department, a psycho-oncologist, a psycho-sociologist, a biostatistician and a member of our institute's Patient Committee. Questions concerned reception, information provided about the examinations, examination experiences, the relational qualities and availability of health care professionals, the interview with the radiologist and announcement of the examination results. Results: The questionnaire was given to 190 patients in the waiting room before a standard radiography or ultrasound examination (33%), mammography and breast ultrasound (33%), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (34%). The return rate was 81%. This article analyses the responses to the various questions in terms of either percentages or detailed replies and suggestions. Conclusion: Analysis of the patients’ experience and their suggestions provided objective elements concerning their real wishes in relation to each step of their management and identified changes and improvements to be made to the organization and daily functioning of the department.