How well do European patients understand cancer-associated thrombosis? A patient survey

Awareness of venous thromboembolism among patients with cancer: Preliminary findings from a global initiative for World Thrombosis Day

“…These findings, although preliminary, provide a contemporary snapshot of the contents and quality of patients' education and awareness regarding CAT at a global scale. In agreement with another large survey conducted in 2018 by the European Cancer Patient Coalition across six countries in Europe, they also confirm and extend to non‐European health‐care systems an urgent need for a quantitative and qualitative implementation of CAT educational efforts, awareness, and communication programs worldwide 11 . These shall encompass multiple structured interventions that actively and cooperatively engage patients and their caregiver as well as cancer patients' associations, cancer care professionals, scientific societies, industry, and policy makers.…”

“…In agreement with another large survey conducted in 2018 by the European Cancer Patient Coalition across six countries in Europe, they also confirm and extend to non‐European health‐care systems an urgent need for a quantitative and qualitative implementation of CAT educational efforts, awareness, and communication programs worldwide. 11 These shall encompass multiple structured interventions that actively and cooperatively engage patients and their caregiver as well as cancer patients' associations, cancer care professionals, scientific societies, industry, and policy makers. The validity of a mixed‐methods, patient‐centered strategy for CAT education has been suggested by a Welsh experience in which an information video was developed and delivered to patients receiving systemic anti‐cancer therapy leading to shorter mean time to presentation with VTE symptoms (from 8.9 to 2.9 days), possibly reflecting greater CAT awareness resulting in earlier recognition and clinical consultation.…”

“…The survey comprised 27 items dealing with common aspects of CAT as previously identified through discussions among CAT health‐care professionals including specialized physicians and nurses, patient representatives, education and communication experts, as well as industry stakeholders and policy makers. 11 The survey was designed in a simple structure, lay language, and ideally devoid of potential cultural‐ or language‐related barriers to allow wide dissemination, participation, and inclusiveness. A patient representative reviewed the survey draft to ensure comprehensibility and adequateness of the content and form of the survey.…”

“…CAT, cancer-associated venous thromboembolism; VTE, venous thromboembolism. educational efforts, awareness, and communication programs worldwide 11. These shall encompass multiple structured interventions that actively and cooperatively engage patients and their caregiver as well as cancer patients' associations, cancer care professionals, scientific societies, industry, and policy makers.…”

Multidisciplinary Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer-Associated Thrombosis (CAT): Impact of Educational Interventions on CAT-Related Events and on Patients’ and Clinicians’ Awareness

“…A total of 1,365 participants (cancer patients or caregivers) were asked about risk factors, signs and symptoms and interventions. This survey found that only 28% of respondents were aware of their higher risk to develop VTE [ 81 ]. This inevitably leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.…”