CSC Survey Finds Discrepancy in Definition of Value in Cancer Care

A recent survey of 769 metastatic breast cancer patients found there is a significant discrepancy in the definition of value within cancer care. Conducted by the Cancer Support Community (CSC), results show that only 5.46 percent of respondents with metastatic breast cancer conceived value as having any exchanged-based meaning specific to health.

CSC President Linda House said, “The survey shows disconnect between how patients define value and how policymakers have defined value in the policies they are implementing. Decisions are currently being made regarding how cancer care will be delivered and reimbursed in the future. These decisions must be based on real patient needs and expectations.”

Among other significant survey findings:

• Nearly half of participants responded to the question in one of two ways:
  • 38.4 percent defined value in terms of a “personal value.” For example, one patient looked at value in terms of getting appropriate and accurate information at the right time. According to the patient, value is defined as “information and appropriate communication of that information at the right time and right place.”
  • 7.41 percent of patients defined value in terms of an “exchange value.” For example, one patient surveyed defined value as “getting the best options at the lowest cost” that is presented in a way that is “easily comprehended."
• Participants are unclear on how to define value with nearly 11 percent of the patients indicating that they did not fully understand the question and 3 percent reporting “no value.”

Click here to view the full survey results.

Rob Goldsmith is director of Policy & Advocacy at the Cancer Support Community, an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. Goldsmith leads federal and state level policy and advocacy activities for the Cancer Policy Institute.

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