Oncologists' use of quality of life information: results of a survey of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group physicians.
OBJECTIVE
Objectives of this study were to obtain data from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) oncologists regarding their views on quality of life (QOL) information; perform psychometric testing on the MD-QOL questionnaire, develop a model to describe oncologists' willingness to use QOL information and propose data-based interventions to facilitate use of QOL information in clinical decision-making.


METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire, MD-QOL, designed to assess physician perspective on QOL information was mailed to a random sample of 500 oncologists, members of ECOG; 271 responded.


RESULTS
Oncologists' attitude, current behaviour, knowledge of QOL data, and reported willingness to use QOL can be measured using MD-QOL. The attitude, behaviour and willingness scales have high internal consistency. Physician attitude and behaviour account for 59% of the variance in the willingness to use QOL information. Demographic variables influencing physician responses were their primary income source and exposure to trials with a QOL component.


CONCLUSIONS
This report of ECOG oncologists' views on QOL information suggests a model to describe relationship between physician willingness to use QOL information on the basis of their attitude and behaviour. Data-based interventions are proposed to influence the key variables and thus facilitate the incorporation of QOL data in clinical practice.
Bezjak
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Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, University of Ontario, Canada. andrea.bezjak@rmp.uhn.on.ca
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Skeel
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Depetrillo
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Taylor
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D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires