Preferences of cancer survivors for follow up care in China: discrete choice experiment
Background: As lung cancer survival rates improve, follow-up care has become crucial for enhancing the quality of life among cancer patients. In China, lung cancer is the most prevalent and deadly magnificent tumor, and the incidence and survival rates of lung cancer are rapidly increasing, understa...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-02-01
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| Series: | The Lancet Regional Health. Western Pacific |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666606524003857 |
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| Summary: | Background: As lung cancer survival rates improve, follow-up care has become crucial for enhancing the quality of life among cancer patients. In China, lung cancer is the most prevalent and deadly magnificent tumor, and the incidence and survival rates of lung cancer are rapidly increasing, understanding the preferences of cancer survivors regarding follow-up care is essential. While previous studies have explored the preferences of cancer patients for follow-up care in developed countries, there is a lack of research on the perspectives of lung cancer patients in China and other developing nations. This study aims to elicit the preferences of cancer survivors in China concerning follow-up care using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to inform healthcare strategies that enhance lung cancer survivor satisfaction and health outcomes. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was designed to investigate cancer survivors’ preferences in China based on six key attributes of follow-up care, including care provider, thoroughness of follow-up contents, follow-up interval, delivery method, duration, and content of care. Data were collected from 192 lung cancer patients online, and a mixed logit model was employed to analyze the results, allowing for the examination of heterogeneity in preferences. Additionally, latent class analysis was conducted to identify differences within the sample that exhibit distinct preferences. Findings: The care provider, follow-up interval, and delivery method were found to significantly influence lung cancer survivors’ preferences for follow-up care in China (p < 0.05). Specifically, the study revealed strong preferences for follow-up care delivered by specialist doctors, at twice-a-month intervals, and online compared to the care provided by general practitioners, once three months and via telephone, respectively. The latent class analysis identified two distinct subgroups, highlighting variability in preferences based on demographic factors and cancer types. Class 1 favored consultations with specialist doctors, shorter intervals, WeChat communication, longer durations, and psychological support content, while Class 2 preferred follow-up with specialist nurses, longer intervals, telephone communication, shorter session durations, and advice on health management and complications. Simulated probabilities indicated a substantial increase in the likelihood of choosing follow-up care when delivered by preferred providers under optimal conditions. Notably, interactions with demographic factors such as age, marital status, and education revealed significant heterogeneity in preferences, emphasizing the impact of these characteristics on lung cancer survivors' choices for follow-up care. Interpretation: This study is novel to underscore the importance of tailoring follow-up care to the specific preferences of lung cancer survivors in China. The findings suggest that personalized follow-up strategies, particularly those involving specialist providers and preferred delivery methods, can significantly enhance lung cancer patient engagement and satisfaction. Future healthcare policies should incorporate these preferences to improve the quality of follow-up care for lung cancer survivors. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-6065 |