Differences in cutaneous melanoma treatment and patient satisfaction.

ABSTRACT: Although clinical guidelines exist, the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a complex process that may vary between different care providers with potential dysfunctions ultimately mirrored in the overall patient satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the CM management as related to lead times, surgical quality and diagnosis communication with the hypothesis that the care may differ between providers and disparities may impact patient satisfaction. Medical records of 181 patients were retrospectively analyzed with parallel patient satisfaction evaluation by telephone interviews. Overall mean lead times from initial diagnosis until completion of all surgery and histopathology reports were 80-100 days and delays occurred at every step of the process.

SUBMITTER: Wikstrom JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6201885 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature