Aims
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly seen as an important component of informed healthcare delivery but there are limited studies from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients. This study describes results from interviews about PROMs with CALD patients.
Methods
Participants who had a history of colorectal cancer surgery whose preferred spoken language was Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Mandarin or Vietnamese were recruited. Patients completed translated paper versions of three PROMs: EQ-5D-5L, EORTC QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-CR29, followed by a semi-structured telephone interview conducted with interpreters. Interview transcripts were reviewed to tally responses to the questions.
Results
Thirteen patients participated (mean age of 62, 54% men/46% women). Ten patients’ primary language was Vietnamese, and one patient each spoke Cantonese, Mandarin and Greek. Overall feedback was very positive. Patients reported the PROMs were easy to complete and included the right information. A median time of 30 minutes was taken to complete the three PROMs which patients reported was reasonable. Two thirds of patients would be happy to complete PROMs multiple times. Patients reported they were comfortable with the general nature of the questions. There was a strong preference to complete the questionnaires at home and the majority reported they would be willing to complete them without a support person. All patients in our study completed the PROMs questionnaires on paper, but were asked their views about completing an electronic format. Results were mixed with no clear majority preference.
Conclusions
Whilst CALD patients are frequently omitted from research, our results suggest that including CALD patients may not be as challenging as it is perceived to be and seems to be generally well accepted by this population of patients.