Do breast cancer survivors with a recent history of clinical depression report worse experiences with care? A retrospective cohort study using SEER‐CAHPS data

PURPOSE: We examined whether breast cancer survivors' experiences with care differed by a recent history of clinical depression, and whether associations differed by race/ethnicity. METHODS: Using the Epidemiology and End Results‐Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (SEER‐CAHPS) dataset, we analyzed records of breast cancer survivors who completed a survey at least 12 months after their cancer diagnosis. We assessed clinical depression 12 months prior to survey completion using Medicare claims. We used separate multivariable logistic regressions to examine the associations between depression and excellent (vs. less than excellent) ratings of experiences with care (i.e., doctor communication, getting needed care, getting care quickly, getting prescription drugs, specialist and overall care). We also assessed interactions of depression by race/ethnicity. All models were adjusted for demographics and cancer prognostic and treatment factors. RESULTS: Of the 2271 survivors, 7.6% were clinically depressed. After adjusting for covariates, survivors with clinical depression had lower odds of reporting excellent ratings of their ability to get needed care, care by their specialist, and overall care, compared to those without depression (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84; AOR = 0.40, CI: 0.31–0.76; and AOR = 0.61, CI: 0.42–0.89, respectively). Among Hispanics, having depression was associated with higher odds of excellent ratings of one's ability to get needed care (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI: 1.02–28.81). No other statistically significant associations by race/ethnicity were found. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors with depression report poorer patient experiences with care. Further research is needed to understand complexities of ratings of experiences with care among survivors of diverse backgrounds. IMPLICATIONS: Survivors with a recent history of clinical depression may benefit from additional supportive care services.