The complexity of diagnosing sarcoma in a timely manner: perspectives of health professionals, patients, and carers in Australia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prolonged diagnosis intervals occur more often in rare cancers, such as sarcoma. Patients with a delayed diagnosis may require more radical surgery and have a reduced chance of survival. Previous research has focused on quantifying the time taken to achieve a diagnosis without exploring the reasons for potential delays. The aim of this study was to explore patients', carers', and health professionals' perceived barriers to timely diagnosis and referral for treatment for sarcoma.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with: health professionals working with sarcoma (n = 21); patients who have been diagnosed with sarcoma (n = 22); and carers of patients diagnosed with sarcoma (n = 17). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Result

SUBMITTER: Weaver R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7397572 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature