Perceived quality of patient-centered care predictors in a sample of Greek cancer survivors with solid cancer

Nikolaos Volakakis; Vasilios Raftopoulos; Magdalini Pylli; Theodoros Xanthos; Giannoula Kyrkou; Anna Deltsidou

doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103035

Perceived quality of patient-centered care predictors in a sample of Greek cancer survivors with solid cancer

Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2025 Nov 12:80:103035. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103035. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Nikolaos Volakakis¹, Vasilios Raftopoulos², Magdalini Pylli³, Theodoros Xanthos⁴, Giannoula Kyrkou⁵, Anna Deltsidou⁶

Affiliations

¹ General Hospital of Athens ''EVANGELISMOS'', 45-47 Ypsilanti Str, Athens, Greece; University of West Attica, Department of Midwifery, Saint Spyridon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: nickvolakakis@yahoo.gr.
² National Public Health Organization of Greece, 3 Agrafon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: vraftop1@gmail.com.
³ National Public Health Organization of Greece, 3 Agrafon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: m.pylli@eody.gov.g.
⁴ University of West Attica, Department of Midwifery, Saint Spyridon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: txanthos@uniwa.gr.
⁵ University of West Attica, Department of Midwifery, Saint Spyridon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: ikirkou@uniwa.gr.
⁶ University of West Attica, Department of Midwifery, Saint Spyridon Str, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: adeltsidou@uniwa.gr.

PMID: 41319524
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103035

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between patients' characteristics and the subscales of the Perceived Quality of Patient-centered Care scale (QPCC).

Methods: A sample of 400 cancer patients was recruited from a large hospital in Athens between September 2023 and March 2024. The inclusion criteria were willingness to participate, ability to speak and understand Greek, and self-reported physical and mental health status. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QPCC.

Results: The mean total QPCC score was 1.79 (±0.34) [range 1 (high)-4 (low)] with subscales ranging from 1.15 (±0.33) to 2.78 (±0.80). Subscales such as respectful communication, provision of clear disease and treatment information, and treatment delivery received the highest means scores, while timely care and equitable care received the lowest. Patients self-assessed their physical condition and mental health, with a median score of 7 (interquartile range: 5-8). Age, living conditions, educational level, residence, ECOG-PS status, and prior therapies were significantly associated with the subscales of QPCC. Among these, educational level and living conditions were the strongest predictors of QPCC total score.

Conclusions: Healthcare providers should routinely assess the experiences of cancer survivors, identify gaps in care, and design tailored interventions to enhance the quality of services provided across the healthcare continuum.