scholarly journals Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence among haematological cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke Zomerdijk ◽  
Michelle Jongenelis ◽  
Camille E Short ◽  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Jane Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Disruptive Effect ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Fear Of Cancer

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive effect on people with haematological cancers, who represent a high-risk population due to the nature of their disease and immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to identify the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on haematology patients and identify correlated factors to inform the development of appropriate supportive interventions.Methods 394 respondents volunteered their participation in response to a study advertisement distributed online through established haematology groups. Participants completed a self-report online survey exploring well-being, psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs, and fear of cancer recurrence.Results At least 1 in 3 respondents (35%) reported clinical levels of distress and nearly 1 in 3 (32%) identified at least one unmet need. Among respondents in remission (n = 134), clinical fear of cancer recurrence was reported by nearly all (95%). Unmet needs, pre-existing health conditions, younger age, financial concerns, and perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 were the dominant factors contributing to psychological distress during the pandemic. Psychological distress, lost income, perceived inadequate support from care team, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, and being a woman were significantly associated with unmet needs. Psychological distress and concern about the impact of COVID-19 on cancer management were significantly associated with fear of cancer recurrence among respondents in remission.Conclusion Results highlight the high psychological burden and unmet needs experienced by people with haematological cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicate a need for innovative solutions to rapidly identify distress and unmet needs during, and beyond, pandemic times.

Quality of Life and Supportive Care Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1385-1406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne M. Reb ◽  
Diane G. Cope
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
Fear Of Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Care Needs

Gynecologic cancer survivors experience significant distress that can impact quality of life (QOL). Optimal survivorship care requires an understanding of the survivor’s QOL and supportive care needs. The purpose of this study was to describe the QOL and needs of gynecologic cancer survivors. Women with an initial diagnosis of gynecologic cancer within 7 months of completing primary treatment ( N = 34) completed the QOL-Cancer Survivor tool and the Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Needs Survey. Fear of cancer recurrence was a repetitive theme for both tools. The lowest ranking QOL items were distress from diagnosis and treatment, family distress, and uncertainty about the future. Commonly reported needs included help to reduce stress, manage side effects, cope with fears of cancer recurrence, and gain reassurance that providers were communicating, and providing the very best medical care. Appreciating QOL and needs can facilitate the development of support services specifically tailored to gynecologic survivors.

Patients' Supportive Care Needs Beyond the End of Cancer Treatment: A Prospective, Longitudinal Survey

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (36) ◽  
pp. 6172-6179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Armes ◽  
Maggie Crowe ◽  
Lynne Colbourne ◽  
Helen Morgan ◽  
Trevor Murrells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Hormone Treatment ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
Fear Of Recurrence ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Purpose To estimate prevalence and severity of patients' self-perceived supportive care needs in the immediate post-treatment phase and identify predictors of unmet need. Patients and Methods A multicenter, prospective, longitudinal survey was conducted. Sixty-six centers recruited patients for 12 weeks. Patients receiving treatment for the following cancers were recruited: breast, prostate, colorectal, and gynecologic cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Measures of supportive care needs, anxiety and depression, fear of recurrence, and positive and negative affect were completed at the end of treatment (T0) and 6 months later (T1). Results Of 1,850 patients given questionnaire packs, 1,425 (79%) returned questionnaires at T0, and 1,152 (62%) returned questionnaires at T1. Mean age was 61 years; and most respondents were female (69%) and had breast cancer (57%). Most patients had no or few moderate or severe unmet supportive care needs. However, 30% reported more than five unmet needs at baseline, and for 60% of these patients, the situation did not improve. At both assessments, the most frequently endorsed unmet needs were psychological needs and fear of recurrence. Logistic regression revealed several statistically significant predictors of unmet need, including receipt of hormone treatment, negative affect, and experiencing an unrelated significant event between assessments. Conclusion Most patients do not express unmet needs for supportive care after treatment. Thirty percent reported more than five moderate or severe unmet needs at both assessments. Unmet needs were predicted by hormone treatment, negative mood, and experiencing a significant event. Our results suggest that there is a proportion of survivors with unmet needs who might benefit from the targeted application of psychosocial resources.

scholarly journals Assessment of Needs of Hospitalized Cancer Patients with Advanced Cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Theocharis I. Konstantinidis ◽  
George Samonis ◽  
Pavlos Sarafis ◽  
Anastas Philalithis
Keyword(s):  
Supportive Care ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Optimal Care

BACKGROUND: Needs assessment of patients with advanced cancer (ACPs) is essential for optimal care. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Needs Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) and assessed the supportive care needs of hospitalized ACPs with solid tumors.METHODS: The validated Greek version of the NEQ along with demographic and clinical data of 95 consecutive breast, colon and lung ACPs hospitalized in the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, were used to assess their supportive care needs. The NEQ score was subsequently rescaled to 0-100.RESULTS: NEQ displayed adequate psychometric properties in validity and reliability tests. The average number of needs reported was 8.4(4.1). Female and younger patients reported a higher score of unmet needs than their male (40.3 versus 30.0, p=0.005) and elder (40.1 versus 29.2, p=0.001) counterparts. Patients reported higher needs in receiving information about their future (73.7%), treatments (56.8%), examinations (51.6%) and for the need "to speak with people who had the same experience" (53.7%). In contrast, lower scores were observed in the assistance and treatments needs regarding intimacy (11.6%), "better attention from nurses" (15.8%), "more help with eating, dressing, and going to the bathroom" (18.9%). Lung ACPs reported more assistance and treatment needs than colon and breast ACPs (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: ACPs reported many unmet needs, mainly informational, that were related to gender, age, and type of cancer. NEQ is a useful tool in everyday clinical practice for obtaining information for supportive care needs. Health care personnel has to address these needs for implementing effective patient-centered care.

Unmet supportive care needs and predictor of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110391
Author(s):  
Sujana H Chowdhury ◽  
Bilkis Banu ◽  
Nasrin Akter ◽  
Sarder M Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Breast cancer survivor goes through a period of needs in their post-treatment daily life. Relatively few studies have been conducted to understand the unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Bangladesh. Recognize and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients was the aim of the study. Objective To identify and measure patterns and predictors of unmet needs of breast cancer patients in Bangladesh. Method A cross-sectional study among 138 breast cancer patients; conveniently selected from two public and two private cancer institutes. Face-to-face interview for data collection and medical record review for checklist was done. Unmet needs have been determined by the supportive care needs survey short form 34 scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of unmet needs. Results The study indicated the top 10 moderate-to-high needs; among which the top five needs were from the information need domain. Surprisingly, private cancer treatment centers were identified as a significant predictor for unmet needs. Patients from private cancer institutes reported more explanation needs as well as needs with their physical and daily living and sexuality. Furthermore, the type of treatment like patient receiving combine treatment therapy reported more need for help compared to the patient receiving chemotherapy alone. Moreover, housewives reported the low need for patient care and support systems as a result of their reluctant behavior towards their health. Conclusion Individual’s unmet need assessment should be a part of every treatment protocol of breast cancer for a better treatment outcome.

QOLP-30. LONG-TERM UNMET SUPPORTIVE CARE NEEDS OF TYA CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOUR SURVIVORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi189-vi189
Author(s):  
Emma Nicklin ◽  
Galina Velikova ◽  
Adam Glaser ◽  
Michelle Kwok-WIlliam ◽  
Miguel Debono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Brain Tumour ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Supportive Care Needs ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Abstract INTRODUCTION The supportive care needs of long-term childhood brain tumour survivors, now teenagers and young adults (TYAs), and their caregivers are largely unknown. TYAs are a unique patient cohort with specific challenges and vulnerabilities differing from children or older adults. We aimed to describe their supportive care needs and explore associations between needs and quality of life (QoL).This is the first study to collect quantitative data about needs in this survivorship group. METHODS Participants were recruited from long-term follow-up clinics (in three National Health Service Trusts in England) and online. Participants included childhood brain tumour survivors, ≥ 5 years from diagnosis, currently aged 13-30, and their primary caregivers. Survivors completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) Short-Form and Paediatric Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Brain (Peds-FACT-Br). While caregivers completed the SCNS-Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C) and the Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLC). RESULTS In total, 112 individuals (69 survivors/43 caregivers) participated. Survivors reported on average 9.4 (±8.5) unmet needs. Needs were greatest in the psychological domain, with anxiety (60.3%), uncertainty about the future (50.7%) and feeling down and depressed (48.5%) most commonly reported. Caregivers reported on average 12.4 (±12.3) unmet needs. Again, the greatest number of unmet needs were observed in the psychological domain. Many caregivers also reported information needs around financial support/government benefits (42.9%) and possible survivor fertility problems (42.9%). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that female survivors, unemployed survivors, survivors further away from diagnosis, and single caregivers were more likely to report unmet needs. More unmet needs were significantly associated with poorer QoL in survivors and caregivers. CONCLUSION This research provides leads to improving supportive care and long-term follow-up services. Psychological support appears to be the biggest gap in care. Understanding unmet needs and recognising what services are required is critical to improving quality of long-term survival.

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