insight - Healthcare - # Cancer Test Results Analysis

Patients' Perspective on Cancer Test Results Post-21st Century Cures Act

Q: How can the healthcare system better support patients in interpreting their test results

To better support patients in interpreting their test results, the healthcare system can implement several strategies. Firstly, healthcare providers should offer clear and easily understandable explanations of the results, avoiding medical jargon that may confuse patients. Providing educational materials or resources tailored to the specific test results can also aid patients in comprehending the information. Additionally, offering follow-up appointments or consultations to discuss the results in detail can address any questions or concerns that patients may have. Utilizing patient navigators or support staff who can guide patients through the interpretation process and connect them with additional resources or specialists if needed can further enhance patient understanding and support.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of patients viewing results before clinicians

While patients viewing their test results before clinicians can have benefits such as increased patient engagement and empowerment, there are potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is the possibility of patients misinterpreting the results, leading to unnecessary anxiety, confusion, or inappropriate actions. Patients may also lack the medical expertise to fully understand the implications of certain test results, which could result in delayed or incorrect treatment decisions. Furthermore, clinicians may lose the opportunity to provide context, guidance, or emotional support when patients receive sensitive or concerning results independently. This lack of professional interpretation and support could potentially impact patient outcomes and overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience.

Q: How can the study's findings impact the broader conversation on patient-centered care

The study's findings on patients viewing cancer test results before clinicians can significantly impact the broader conversation on patient-centered care. The increased trend of patients accessing their results promptly aligns with the principles of patient empowerment and autonomy in healthcare decision-making. It highlights the importance of patient engagement and the shift towards a more transparent and patient-centric healthcare system. However, these findings also underscore the need for healthcare providers to adapt their practices to ensure that patients receive adequate support and guidance in interpreting their results. By recognizing and addressing the challenges associated with patients viewing results independently, healthcare systems can further enhance patient-centered care by promoting informed decision-making, emotional support, and improved communication between patients and clinicians.

Core Concepts

Patients increasingly view cancer test results before clinicians post-21st Century Cures Act.

Abstract

TOPLINE:

75% of cancer test results viewed by patients post-21st Century Cures Act.

METHODOLOGY:

Immediate release of test results mandated by Cures Act.
Patients may learn results before clinicians.
Challenges arise with immediate access to results.

TAKEAWAY:

Analysis of 5.57 million test results to 44,419 patients.
Median time for patients to review results significantly decreased post-Cures Act.
Patients viewed more radiology and pathology results than laboratory results.

IN PRACTICE:

Patients viewing results before clinicians doubled post-Cures Act.
Implications for practice quality noted.
Patients prefer immediate results but report increased anxiety with abnormal results.

SOURCE:

Study published in JAMA Oncology by Sheena Bhalla, MD.

LIMITATIONS:

Single-center design and lack of clinical context noted.

DISCLOSURES:

Study had no specific funding.

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www.medscape.com

Stats

75% of cancer test results were viewed by patients first post-21st Century Cures Act.
Patients viewed 2.7 million results overall.
Median time for patients to review results decreased significantly post-Cures Act.
Proportion of test results viewed by patients before clinicians increased from 37% in 2017 to 75% in 2022.

Quotes

"After the Cures Act, 75% of test results were viewed by patients before the ordering clinician, almost double the views in 2017."
"How patients with cancer receive test results has implications for practice quality."

Key Insights Distilled From

How Do Patients View Their Cancer Test Results?

by Megan Brooks at www.medscape.com 12-28-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-do-patients-view-their-cancer-test-results-2023a1000wwx

Deeper Inquiries

How can the healthcare system better support patients in interpreting their test results

To better support patients in interpreting their test results, the healthcare system can implement several strategies. Firstly, healthcare providers should offer clear and easily understandable explanations of the results, avoiding medical jargon that may confuse patients. Providing educational materials or resources tailored to the specific test results can also aid patients in comprehending the information. Additionally, offering follow-up appointments or consultations to discuss the results in detail can address any questions or concerns that patients may have. Utilizing patient navigators or support staff who can guide patients through the interpretation process and connect them with additional resources or specialists if needed can further enhance patient understanding and support.

What are the potential drawbacks of patients viewing results before clinicians

While patients viewing their test results before clinicians can have benefits such as increased patient engagement and empowerment, there are potential drawbacks to consider. One major concern is the possibility of patients misinterpreting the results, leading to unnecessary anxiety, confusion, or inappropriate actions. Patients may also lack the medical expertise to fully understand the implications of certain test results, which could result in delayed or incorrect treatment decisions. Furthermore, clinicians may lose the opportunity to provide context, guidance, or emotional support when patients receive sensitive or concerning results independently. This lack of professional interpretation and support could potentially impact patient outcomes and overall satisfaction with their healthcare experience.

How can the study's findings impact the broader conversation on patient-centered care

The study's findings on patients viewing cancer test results before clinicians can significantly impact the broader conversation on patient-centered care. The increased trend of patients accessing their results promptly aligns with the principles of patient empowerment and autonomy in healthcare decision-making. It highlights the importance of patient engagement and the shift towards a more transparent and patient-centric healthcare system. However, these findings also underscore the need for healthcare providers to adapt their practices to ensure that patients receive adequate support and guidance in interpreting their results. By recognizing and addressing the challenges associated with patients viewing results independently, healthcare systems can further enhance patient-centered care by promoting informed decision-making, emotional support, and improved communication between patients and clinicians.