title: Meeting the needs of cancer patients: is there a need for an organizational change?
abstract: As stated in the literature the most important needs of cancer patients are not adequately meet. Improving information, communication and education provided have not led to incisive changes in the organizational model of the oncology departments. The study contributes to this direction, by planning an "Integrated Operating Point" (I.O.P.) dedicated to cancer patients and their relatives in Italy. 42 Some professionals, patients and relatives were involved and 42 of them participated in focus group/or interviews. Results of thematic content analysis allow us to sketch out some key elements that I.O.P. should have in order to support cancer patients and their families. Integration of services, continuity of care, and cooperation between professionals involved are key elements that might qualify such organizational development.
authors.affiliation: University Teaching Hospital, Parma, Italy. chiara.foa@unipr.it.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Foà
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prandi
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ghirardi
authors.forename: Franca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Vincenzi
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cornelli
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Copelli
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Artioli
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D024382:Professional Role