Determinants of cancer patients' utilization of hospital care within two years after diagnosis

Acta Oncologica
Birgitta B K JohanssonBengt L G Glimelius

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors at diagnosis that are related to cancer patients' utilization of hospital care during the first 2 years after diagnosis, and thereby improve identification of patients with an increased need for close follow-up. Data from a prospective intervention study of psychosocial support and from a computerized patient administration system were used. A total of 393 newly diagnosed patients were included. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to determine whether the addition of information regarding age, comorbidity, functional status, symptoms, and socioeconomic variables improved the prediction of utilization of specialist inpatient care beyond that afforded by cancer-related factors. In addition to cancer diagnosis and treatment, comorbidity, physical function, and pain determined use of inpatient care. Patients living in rural areas and those with a low income utilized hospital care more often. The results suggest that thorough assessment can identify patients at diagnosis with an increased need for follow-up, e.g. intensified home care services.

References

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Sep 19, 2002·Nutrition and Cancer·Christina R PerssonBengt L G Glimelius

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Citations

Jul 27, 2010·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Heather BeckerAdama Brown
Oct 7, 2010·Annals of Oncology : Official Journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology·M T E PutsH Bergman
Apr 2, 2009·Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·Sylvie Dubois, Carmen G Loiselle
Sep 4, 2012·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Martine T E PutsHoward Bergman
Mar 21, 2021·Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·Ulrike BoehmerKevan Hartshorn

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