Aim: To examine cancer patient experience survey (CPES) responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians who were admitted for cancer care in 2022 across Victorian public hospitals.
Methods: Respondents who identified as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander were included in this analysis. A mixed-methods approach was used to conduct a quantitative analysis of multiple-choice responses and qualitative analysis of free-text responses of the CPES. Themes from the thematic analysis of free-text responses were organised based on their relevance to the seven principles of the Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) that underpin optimal cancer care in Australia.
Results: Despite prioritisation of Indigenous cancer experiences in the current Victorian Cancer Plan, only 25 (<1%) of the 3630 people who participated in the CPES identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. As such, all findings should be considered with caution. All (100%) respondents rated their overall care as either “very good” or “good”. Many quantitative findings aligned with statewide averages; however, several improvement opportunities were apparent. These opportunities include improving timeliness of treatment, better information provision to patients regarding possible treatment side-effects, radiotherapy preparation, and follow-up care, better pain management during surgical admissions, and improved access to referrals and information about supportive care and other services. Themes in free-text responses focused on two OCP principles: communication, and safe and quality care. Experiences articulated by Indigenous respondents in free-text responses emphasised a lack of communication, lack of privacy, and a lack of resources and staff.
Conclusions: These results highlight the need for improved communication, information provision, and increased focus on ensuring indigenous patient safety and dignity across the cancer journey. The low proportion of respondents who identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander highlights the need for more community engagement to ensure insightful cancer patient experience data.