Evaluation of patient's versus hematologist/oncologist's office visit agenda.

125 Background: Few studies have been reported in oncology regarding elements of physician agenda. We aim to compare elements of a doctor office visit agenda between hem/onc physicians (MD) and patients (pts).

METHODS: Pts and MDs were enrolled to completed a five question survey. Pts were asked: "My doctor" Focuses more on quantity of life and less on quality of life, spends enough time with me, addresses symptoms, addresses chemo side effects, and addresses prognosis. MDs were asked the same questions but worded: "I" spend enough time with pts for example. Answers were recorded on a 5 point scale (1 = highly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree,5 = highly agree) and converted into 2 categories (1,2,3 = neutral/disagree vs 4,5 = agree). Fisher's exact test with 2 sided p-value was used to compare significance between MD & pts.

RESULTS: 1008 pts and 55 MDs were enrolled between 06/2013 - 10/2015. Pt mean age 55 (18-88) with 45% male and 55% female. Racial profile: 16% white, 14% black, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander. Ethnicity: 62% of pts were Hispanic vs. 38% not Hispanic, & 6% other. A significant number of pts feel MDs focus more on quantity of life vs. quality of life (64% pt vs 26% MD p < 0.0001) and MD spend enough time (94% pt vs 82% MD p < 0.05). No differences were seen for symptoms (92% vs 87% p = 0.2), side effects (92% vs 94% p = 1.0), or prognosis (91% vs 96% p = 0.3) pt vs MD respesctively.

CONCLUSIONS: Pts feel MDs focus more on quantity of life vs. the quality of life. MDs feel they focus more on quality of life vs. quantity of life. Perhaps bridging the gap in what constitutes "quality of life" may improve patient satisfaction. Furthermore MDs underestimate the time spent with their patients. Perhaps MD are spending too much time with some patients resulting in inefficient office visits.