AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between patients' gender, education, health status in relation to: assessments of patient-centered quality and individuality in care and trust in nurses for those <65, (working age) and ≥65 years (older people).

BACKGROUND: Patients' assessments of the quality of care they receive is essential for the development of the provision of patient care and services. Previous studies have revealed age of the patient is associated with their assessment of care quality attributes.

DESIGN: The study employed a cross-sectional, multi-cultural comparative survey design.

METHODS: The data were collected using questionnaires among hospitalised cancer patients (N=876, n=599, 68%) in four European countries: Greece, Cyprus, Sweden and Finland. The data were divided into two sub-groups based on age (cut point 65 years) and were analysed statistically.

RESULTS: Cancer patients' age, gender and level of education were not related to their assessments of care quality attributes: person-centered care quality; individuality in care and trust in nurses. Sub-group analysis of the older adults and those of working age showed clear associations with patients' assessments of quality of care attributes and perceived health status. The lower the perceived health status the lower the assessment of care quality attributes.

DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the cancer itself is the strongest determinant of the care delivered, rather than any patient characteristics, such as age, education or gender. Perceived health status, in association with cancer patient assessments of care quality attributes, may be useful in the development of patient-centered, individualised care strategies alongside a stronger focus on people instead of cancer-care related processes and duties.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of this study have implications for cancer care professionals in terms of patient assessment and care planning. The measures may be useful in assessing quality of cancer nursing care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.