Can targeting information on cancer-related psychosocial services by male gender and rurality improve attitude to service use in this difficult-to-engage population?

Distinct psycho-oncological support inclinations and needs in patients with cancer: A large sample latent class analysis approach

BACKGROUND

In patients with cancer, the routine recording of distress symptoms has been widely established in recent years. Psycho-oncological support has proven to reduce distress and increase quality of life. Despite high levels of distress as well as physical and emotional challenges in patients with cancer, a significant proportion forgoes psycho-oncological services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation was carried out. Latent class analysis was used to examine the relationship between distress, physical and emotional challenges, and desire for psycho-oncological services in 2191 patients with cancer.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis revealed four homogeneous subgroups: a) patients with high distress, high physical and low emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, b) patients with high distress, low physical and high emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, c) patients with high distress, high physical and emotional challenges and a desire for psycho-oncology, d) patients with low distress, low physical and emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology.

CONCLUSION

The identification of these subgroups of patients with cancer is useful for health care providers in order to focus their efforts in patients with cancer. It might contribute to a more tailored treatment offer for specific subgroups whose needs have so far been insufficiently met.

Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand how cancer survivors in rural Queensland seek and receive information, as well as their preferences regarding the content and delivery of health-related information.

METHODS

This study explored cancer survivors' experiences in seeking and comprehending health information using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two major themes and six sub-themes were identified including 1) information content and gaps - a) information about diagnosis and treatment, b) survivorship information gaps and c) practical support needs and 2) delivery and acceptance of information - a) sources of information, b) personalised information needs and c) information seeking or avoidance. Findings suggested that health information provision was inconsistent; survivors' attitudes towards seeking information varied greatly; and survivors' had difficulty processing information due to emotional distress.

CONCLUSION

The role of the health professional is critical in providing information and support to rural cancer survivors. Information provided should be tailored to meet the needs and preferences of individuals taking into consideration demographic factors and attitudes. Implications for public health: The current findings imply that quality information provision after cancer treatment would facilitate improvements in satisfaction among rural cancer survivors.

"Picture this"- Patients' Drawings of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Novel Method to Help Understand How Patients Perceive Their Condition

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data regarding patient experiences of living with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate patients' beliefs about NMIBC utilising both a well-established verbal/linguistic method, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) in addition to a novel visual/perceptual method, that is, asking patients to draw their bladder as it is now and as they perceive it will be in the future.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of patients with NMIBC. Patients completed: (i) the B-IPQ, and (ii) 2 drawings of their bladder: as they perceived it currently and as they perceived it would look in 5 years' time.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients completed the B-IPQ, of which 96 produced 2 bladder drawings. Forty-seven per cent of patients depicted no change in their bladder across time, 35% depicted improvements, while 18% drew their NMIBC as deteriorating between the two time points. Patients who drew their NMIBC worsening over time reported significantly stronger beliefs in the severity of current consequences from their NMIBC (F(2,94) = 9.07, p < 0.001, m = 5.68, 95% CI 4.38-6.88) and greater current concerns about their NMIBC (F(2,94) = 6.17, p < 0.01, m = 7.06, 95% CI 5.47-8.66). This was unrelated to cancer grade, cancer stage, treatment or demographic variables.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to explore beliefs about NMIBC in a sample of patients with NMIBC attending routine clinics using both a well-established and a novel method of assessing patients' perceptions. Results highlight the usefulness of a simple non-verbal technique, in identifying patients' concerns about the condition. Almost one fifth of patients with NMIBC may experience significant concerns about the worsening of their condition, which appear to be independent of demographic, histopathological, and treatment related variables. Further exploration of the psychological concerns of individuals with NMIBC is required in order to appropriately plan for needs led multidisciplinary approach in their care.