Patterns and predictors of colorectal cancer care coordination: A population-based survey of Australian patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Improving care coordination is a key priority for health services. The aims of this study were to identify patient- and health service–related predictors of poorly coordinated care and to explore patient preferences to assist care coordination. METHODS: Patients with incident colorectal cancer, identified from a state-wide cancer registry, completed a self-report questionnaire 6 to 8 months after their diagnosis. Care coordination was assessed with the Cancer Care Coordination Questionnaire for Patients. Multiple linear regression models were used to predict factors associated with a poor experience with cancer care coordination. RESULTS: Among 560 patients (56% response rate), care coordination experiences were normally distributed (mean score, 76.1; standard deviation, 10.9). Patients who had 3 or more comorbid conditions (β, –4.56; standard error [SE], 1.46; P =.006), little or no understanding of the health system (β, –4.34; SE, 0.94; P