SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Racial Disparities and Trends in Patient Experience and Communication Among Cancer Patients in the Last Year of Life: A National Analysis of Seer-Cahps Data

Racial Disparities and Trends in Patient Experience and Communication Among Cancer Patients in the Last Year of Life: A National Analysis of Seer-Cahps Data

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This study examined racial disparities and time trends in patient experience and communication among cancer patients in the last year of life using SEER-CAHPS data. The retrospective analysis included 10,108 patients age 66 and older with common cancers such as lung, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer, whose CAHPS surveys were completed between 2000 and 2019.<br /><br />Researchers evaluated both single-item ratings (overall doctor rating, care rating, whether the doctor listened, and whether the doctor explained things clearly) and composite measures of access and communication. They used descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models to compare outcomes by race/ethnicity and survey period.<br /><br />Key findings showed that Hispanic patients rated doctor listening and explanation higher than non-Hispanic White patients, while there were no significant differences between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White patients. Hispanic respondents were also more likely to have proxy respondents and to complete surveys in Spanish, which may have influenced results.<br /><br />Over time, surveys completed in 2012–2019 showed improved ratings for overall doctor rating, listening, explanation, and doctor communication compared with 2000–2011. However, ratings for “getting needed care” were worse in the later period.<br /><br />The authors conclude that some observed Hispanic-White differences may reflect survey proxy use rather than true differences in care experience. They also note the absence of significant Black-White differences in these patient-reported measures despite known disparities in survival and other outcomes. Overall, communication ratings improved over time, possibly reflecting changes such as greater access to medical records, technology use, and advance care planning, while unmet care needs may have increased near the end of life.

Asset Subtitle

Myrna K. Serna

Meta Tag

Author List Efstathia Polychronopoulou, Margaret Goodrich, Mukaila Raji, Myrna K. Serna, Sean O'Mahoney, Yong-Fang Kuo

Category Research

Concept Racial Disparity

Concept Patient Experience

Concept Communication Satisfaction

Concept Temporal Trend

Concept Oncology Patient

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas Medical Branch

Presenting Author Myrna K. Serna

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

racial disparities

patient experience

cancer patients

SEER-CAHPS

communication quality

end-of-life care

Hispanic White differences

survey trends

doctor listening

multivariable regression

Racial Disparity

Patient Experience

Communication Satisfaction

Temporal Trend

Oncology Patient