Development and Testing of the CAHPS Cancer Care Survey.

PURPOSE

The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Cancer Care Survey is a systematic assessment of health care experiences of patients with cancer. It supports comparisons among all cancer treatment settings and modalities.

METHODS

Formative research included 16 focus groups with patients receiving treatment and family members; advice from a panel of oncology and quality improvement experts; and interviews with stakeholders representing oncology associations, accredited cancer centers, and community oncology practices. We conducted cognitive tests of the instrument and field tests at six cancer centers and four community oncology practices, after which the survey was finalized and obtained the CAHPS trademark.

RESULTS

The survey includes 56 questions that form six core composite measures (Getting Timely Care; Supporting Patient Self-Management; Available to Provide Care and Information; Provider Communication; Care Coordination; and Courteous Office Staff); two single-item measures of family participation in care and interpreter services; and two global ratings of cancer care and the treatment team. Sixteen additional items form three supplemental composite measures: Shared Decision-Making, Keeping Patients Informed, and Access to Care.

CONCLUSION

Mail-only, mail-telephone mixed-mode, and Web-mail mixed-mode data collection methods are recommended. The questionnaires and instructions for use are free and available in English and Spanish on the CAHPS Website (www.ahrq.gov/cahps).