Patient perceptions of a mobile cancer support unit in South Wales

Rachel Iredale, Jennifer Hilgart, Julie A. Hayward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Many patients have to travel long distances to receive treatment and support for cancer, which can lead to increased anxiety and fatigue. Tenovus, the cancer charity, working with the NHS, has developed a new concept of closer-to-home delivery for chemotherapy and other cancer support – a mobile cancer support unit (Bus). Researchers at Cardiff University evaluated the Bus during its first year of operation. The evaluation aimed to determine who was using the Bus and to explore patients' perceptions about having their appointments on the Bus. Data were collected from patients, social care clients and their family and friends using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using postal surveys and qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. In its first year, 3487 people visited the Bus, which included the delivery of 549 chemotherapy treatments. Patient attitudes towards the Bus were extremely positive. Respondents rated highly key aspects of the Bus including comfort and the level of care provided. This evaluation demonstrates that all users are highly receptive to this model of service delivery and agree that the Tenovus Bus is a unique mobile unit, providing excellent clinical and social care to cancer patients and their families.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)550
Number of pages560
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume20
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2011

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • service delivery
  • chemotherapy
  • patient perceptions
  • South Wales

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