Cancer Survivors' Partners Unmet Needs

Abstract Backgroud: As the survival rates of cancer patients have been increasing due to early diagnosis and technological advances in treatment, their caregiver burden has also emerged as an important issue. In view of this situation, this study aims to investigate the unmet needs and quality of life of caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional interview survey was performed among 160 caregivers of Korean breast cancer survivors. Caregivers who gave written informed consent to participate completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer Caregivers and EuroQol-5 Dimensions. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 46.4 years, 44.4% (71/160) were spouses of patients, and 52.5% (84/160) were personally taking care of cancer survivors. Unmet needs were highest in the ‘healthcare staff’ domain (mean ± SD: 1.69 ±1.11), and the item with the highest level of unmet needs was ‘needed information about the current status of the patient’s illness and its future courses’ (1.98 ± 1.04). Unmet needs were correlated with age, educational level, marital status, employment, religion and psychosocial status. Poorer quality of life was closely related to higher levels of unmet needs. In multiple regression analysis, age, employment, religion, and levels of stress and despair were closely associated with unmet needs.

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The unmet needs of childhood cancer survivors in long‐term follow‐up care: A qualitative study

Psycho-Oncology ◽

10.1002/pon.5593 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Manya Jerina Hendriks ◽

Erika Harju ◽

Gisela Michel

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Childhood Cancer Survivors ◽

Follow Up Care ◽

Long Term Follow Up

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Colorectal cancer survivors’ quality of life: a qualitative study of unmet need

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002190 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. bmjspcare-2020-002190

Author(s):

Amanda Drury ◽

Sheila Payne ◽

Anne-Marie Brady

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Supportive Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Unmet Needs ◽

Unmet Need ◽

Safety Net ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveCancer survivors’ perceptions of healthcare have been identified as a predictor of quality of life (QoL) outcomes. This study aims to explore colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors’ perceptions of how cancer-related healthcare affects their QoL.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 22 CRC survivors receiving follow-up care between 1 and 5 years post diagnosis. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsFive themes described the impact of healthcare experiences on CRC survivors’ QoL. While cancer survivors spoke positively of their relationships with healthcare professionals, many experienced a range of unmet information and supportive care needs. Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences, as power dynamics and navigation of healthcare systems had implications for their QoL. Where negative healthcare events aligned, survivors’ autonomy, dignity and confidence were undermined, and survivorship issues could be inadequately addressed. To address persistent unmet needs, survivors developed a safety net(work) of supports to bridge the gap of unmet needs in healthcare with varying outcomes.ConclusionsCancer survivors’ experience of follow-up and healthcare can positively or negatively affect their QoL. Preparation for cancer survivorship must be incorporated into the acute phase of diagnosis and treatment and interlinked with clear pathways of survivorship care and accessible supportive care, which support survivors to be equal partners in their healthcare. Understanding cancer survivors’ knowledge, expertise and mastery of their condition is essential to ensure delivery of person-centred supportive care that adequately addresses the survivor’s unmet needs.

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