Was it worth it (WIWI)? An OHSU Knight Cancer Institute retrospective analysis of patient satisfaction following radiotherapy.

225 Background: Existing data on patient satisfaction after radiotherapy (RT) is scarce. The specific aim of this analysis is to describe the clinical experience for cancer patients (pts) completing a course of RT at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute. METHODS The records of 200 OHSU pts that completed a 5-item "Was It Worth It (WIWI)?" questionnaire highlighting pt satisfaction were reviewed. These data were collected upon the completion of treatment and, if available, first follow-up (f/u). Univariate analysis & logistic regression modeling were performed on pt demographic and treatment characteristics to ascertain predictors of satisfaction. RESULTS 200 pts (M = 174; F = 26) completed the questionnaire on their last day of treatment and 60 upon their first f/u. The median elapsed days of treatment was 34. The median days from end of RT to f/u were 46 (range: 17-302). More pts were treated for curative intent (73%) than palliative (27%). 71% and 90% stated RT was 'worth it' at end of treatment and at first f/u, respectively. Upon therapy completion, 52% were 'uncertain' if quality of life (QOL) improved. However, at first f/u, 58% reported improved QOL. Temporal differences in treatment time favored morning treatment time over evening being 'worthwhile' (77% vs 61%; p = 0.015). This difference remained significant on multivariate analysis (p = 0.02). Longer elapsed days conferred higher likelihood of treatment being 'worthwhile' compared to 'uncertain' (30 days vs 24 days; p = 0.023), also significant on multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). Treatment time and elapsed days were not predictive of improved QOL. Age, gender, race, marital status, employment, treatment intent or modalities, treatment delays, distance travelled, insurance type, anatomic site of treatment, and cancer stage, did not predict pt satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS RT as being 'worthwhile' was associated with morning treatment times and total duration of treatment as measured by total elapsed days. Among variables analyzed, there were no significant predictors of improved QOL. The majority of patients are satisfied with RT but there is room for improvement with those treated in afternoon or in shorter durations.