Patient experience: A new way to understand care for the oncological patient

Abstract

In the present paper, the concept of Patient Experience (PX) is analyzed, as well as the variables that contribute to its improvement. The aim is to explain its clinical utility in the field of health, specifically on the oncology population, in addition to demonstrating the active role that Psychooncology can have in the implementation of this strategy, in direct relation with the humanization of health care. For this, the literature has been reviewed with empirical evidence that has existed up to now and which places the patient’s experience as an essential pillar when improving the quality of clinical care, together with the effectiveness of treatment and patient safety. These elements present a positive interaction between them and are moderated by the doctor-patient communication, which evidences the need to develop communication skills by professionals in clinical practice, the coordination of healthcare, access to services and perception of the patient regarding the care received. The patient’s experience is clinically relevant and influential in the recovery of the health status of the patient, as well as constitutes a change in the health culture, whose protagonist is the patient and around him must turn this change in a multidisciplinary and integral way of the health professionals involved in their care. It is concluded with a new line of action of the psycho-oncologist in the patient’s experience to promote a quality oncological service.