| dc.description.abstract | Background: Global childhood cancer morbidity and mortality is on the increase. Quality care
for childhood cancer patients is an important determinant of disease outcome in regard to
mortality, quality of life and satisfaction with the care. Patients’ assessment of care provided is
an important dimension of quality care provision. Existing literature indicate there is an
increasing demand for high quality cancer care. However little is known of what constitutes
quality care for cancer patients. Hence there is inadequate knowledge in regard to current
perceptions of what quality cancer care is. Determining parents’ perception of quality of
paediatric oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital is necessary to establish baseline
information on the current quality of care being provided to childhood cancer patients admitted
at the hospital.
Objective: To determine factors contributing to parents’ perception of quality of paediatric
oncology care at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Study methodology: This was a cross sectional descriptive quantitative and qualitative study at
the paediatric oncology wards of Kenyatta National Hospital. The wards were purposively
selected and systematic sampling was used to select study participants in each ward, who were
the parents of childhood cancer patients admitted at the hospital. Data collection was done by use
of a semi structured questionnaire which was administered to the parents. Focused group
discussions with parents who had not been subjected to the questionnaire were conducted with
the aim of obtaining in-depth qualitative information on their experiences regarding paediatric
cancer care delivery processes at Kenyatta National Hospital. The sample size consisted of 107
parents. Data was analyzed using the statistical program for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 by
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use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi square test was used to establish significance
between variables and the data was presented in tables as well as bar and pie charts.
Results: Out of 107 parents of childhood cancer patients, 57.9% were satisfied with the care
services they received whereas 42.1% were dissatisfied. This satisfaction was determined by
adequate availability of resources for pediatric cancer treatment [OR=3.10; 95%CI=1.39-6.90;
P=0.005], sufficient care delivery processes [OR=2.87; 95%CI=1.28-6.43; P=0.009] and
adequate infrastructure/environment [OR=2.59; 95%CI=1.17-5.74; P=0.018]. The main reasons
attributed to dissatisfaction as mentioned by FGD participants include; delay in commencement
of treatment, unavailability of chemotherapy drugs and blood, delay in carrying out tests and
availing of results, lack of information about their children’s illness and treatment and
congestion.
Conclusion: Even though 57.9% of the respondents were satisfied with the care services, a
considerable number (42.1%) were dissatisfied. There is need for the hospital management to
enhance effective communication between parents and service providers and to address the issue
of congestion as well as unavailability of required resources and amenities for the care of
childhood cancer patients. There is also need for the hospital to involve parents in support
groups. | en_US |
