at Google ScholarTitle data
Weber, David ; Schmid, Stephanie ; Emmert, Martin:
Patientenrelevante Qualitätsinformationen bei der Krankenhauswahl von Krebspatienten = Cancer Patients' Preferences for Quality Information in Hospital Choice.
In: Das Gesundheitswesen.
(7 September 2026)
.
ISSN 1439-4421
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2939-9286
Abstract in another language
BACKGROUND
In Germany, approximately 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and about 1.40 million cancer patients receive inpatient care. Public quality reports are intended to support patients' freedom to choose a hospital, but they are rarely used. Against this background, this study investigates which (quality-related) information cancer patients consider relevant when choosing a hospital and whether the importance of these criteria changes over time.
METHODS
First, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant criteria for hospital choice. Subsequently, 15 cancer patients were interviewed using a qualitative design (quantitative pre-survey, semi-structured interviews). Findings from both study components were integrated to determine the overall importance of the criteria.
RESULTS
Of 4,470 screened studies, 20 met the inclusion criteria. In total, 56 criteria were identified; the 20 most relevant were included in the patient interviews. Physician recommendation was rated as most important, followed by waiting time, treatment volume, distance to the hospital, and physician communication. Patients' own hospital experience had only a minor influence on preferences over time: 16 of 20 criteria increased in importance (mostly slightly), while 3 decreased slightly. The largest change was observed for personal prior experience with the hospital.
CONCLUSION
Although patients show interest in quality-related information, hospital choice is predominantly a socially embedded decision shaped by the emotional burden of the disease; counselling by the primary care physician plays a key role. More patient-centred quality reports and their integration into physician counselling may improve informed hospital choice.
Further data
| Item Type: | Article in a journal |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Institutions of the University: | Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Chair Healthcare Management and Research Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Chair Healthcare Management and Health Services Research Faculties > Faculty of Law, Business and Economics > Chair Healthcare Management and Health Services Research > Chair Healthcare Management and Health Services Research - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Emmert |
| Result of work at the UBT: | Yes |
| DDC Subjects: | 600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences > 610 Medicine and health |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2026 08:20 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Oct 2026 08:20 |
| URI: | https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/99510 |