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Title: | Patients’ perception on waiting times during the radiotherapy pathway |
Authors: | Vella, Malcolm Paul (2022) |
Keywords: | Cancer -- Patients -- Malta Cancer -- Patients -- Treatment Radiotherapy -- Malta Medical care -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2022 |
Citation: | Vella, M. P. (2022). Patients’ perception on waiting times during the radiotherapy pathway (Bachelor’s dissertation). |
Abstract: | Purpose: Prolonged waiting times can have a negative impact on the physical psychosocial well-being of cancer patients and have to be assessed. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to develop and administer a questionnaire to cancer patients treated with radiotherapy to evaluate their perception of waiting times throughout the radiotherapy treatment. Demographic and social factors that may have an impact on the patients perception on radiotherapy waiting times were also assessed. Factors that could improve the patients’ overall experience were also evaluated. Methodology: A cross-sectional, prospective, quantitative research design was used for the study. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed by intermediaries to all patients treated with radiotherapy in the months of March and April at the local oncology hospital. The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions with some open ended questions. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, Friedman Test, and the Kruskal Wallis tests). Results: Forty-six out of sixty respondents completed the questionnaire. The majority of the patients rated the waiting times for radiotherapy as acceptable (37%) or highly acceptable (47.8%). Disruptions in daily routine was the most important factor affecting distress among female patients whereas males selected ‘maintaining a full bladder’ for causing the most distress. The majority of the patients (54%) agreed that the addition of background music in the waiting area could improve their waiting experience Conclusion: Overall the patients were satisfied with the waiting times for their radiotherapy treatment. |
Description: | B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/109804 |
Appears in Collections: | Dissertations - FacHSc - 2022 Dissertations - FacHScRad - 2022 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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22BSRAD008.pdf Restricted Access | 8.07 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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