title: Identifying patient concerns: improving the quality of patient visits to the oncology out-patient department--a pilot audit.
abstract: Much emphasis is placed on reducing waiting times to improve the quality of patient visits; however, it has been pointed out that improving the quantity of patients seen does not necessarily equate with quality (Hart 1996). This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a pilot feasibility project and audit to improve the quality of patient's follow-up visits to the oncology out-patient department through the use of a 'concerns checklist'. Questionnaires administered to patients and health-care professionals involved in the project were audited. The results indicated that patients found completing the checklist an improvement to the service and helpful with regard to communication, information and staff-patient relationships.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Nursing Practice (Cancer Nursing), Plymouth Oncology Centre, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon PL6 8DH, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dennison
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shute