Patient feedback and duration of treatment: A corpus-based analysis of written comments on cancer care in England

This study examines the relationship between length of time since a patient received their first treatment for cancer and feedback they give on that treatment. The analysis is based corpus 214,340 written comments (14,403,694 words) relating to National Health Service (NHS) care in England 2015 2018. Patients are grouped according duration compared terms ratings gave, themes positive negative comments, keywords characterise language use provide qualitative evaluations experiences. We find satisfaction rates remain relatively stable across groups, with patients generally indicating high levels satisfaction. focus small number core feedback, regardless duration, though there differences extent which certain focused by each group. Our reveals as well types rhetorical strategies (particularly those receiving longer periods) use, not only frame but also legitimise feedback. implications findings discussed respect healthcare provision monitoring. discuss value combining content form when working non-linguist stakeholders, reflect opportunities challenges convincing stakeholders using (corpus) linguistic methods approach seemingly non-linguistic questions.