Background

While patient perspectives in healthcare are recognized, endometrial cancer (EC) care quality and patient experiences remain understudied. The aim of this nationwide cross-sectional study was to explore how women treated for EC perceived the quality of care during treatment and waiting times until diagnosis and surgery.

Methods

EC patients (n=684) diagnosed January 2017 to March 2018, participated in the study six to eight months after diagnosis. Data were collected digitally by means of the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective – Gynecological Cancer instrument. Each item (n=27) was answered in two ways: both as actual care received and perceived importance of different aspects of care.

Results

The highest levels of perceived quality of actual received care and the corresponding subjective importance were reported related to physical-technical conditions comprising the items “Acceptable waiting times”, “Access to necessary equipment” and for the factor “Respect and empathy from healthcare personnel”. The lowest levels were reported regarding information related to self-care and aspects of sexuality. Most of the women (79%) reported less than one month waiting time until diagnosis and

Conclusions

This study contributes to a better understanding of the quality of care among women with endometrial cancer during illness, treatment and early cancer rehabilitation. Women perceived the quality of endometrial cancer care mostly as good or high and age had limited impact. Particularly identified areas for improvement were information on self-care and aspects of sexuality, along with reducing waiting times, all important for reducing patient distress.