SUPPORTIVE CARE NEEDS AND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS

Purposes/Aims: The purpose of this exploratory/descriptive and mixed methods study is to investigate the unmet supportive care needs, and levels of social support and distress, in adult patients who are receiving or who have recently completed treatment for cancer. More specifically, we are determining the patterns of supportive care needs, and examining predictors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, cancer type, social support and personality type.

Rationale/Conceptual Basis/Background: Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, with approximately 1.6 million new cases diagnosed and 580,350 deaths each year. A cancer diagnosis frequently causes patients an emotional trauma, which may be exhibited by increased feelings of vulnerability, loss of control, and uncertainty. Psychosocial and emotional distress is a significant problem in one-third to one half of all cancer patients, yet only about 10% receive any psychosocial therapy. Ignoring distress can lead to decreased quality of life (QOL), poorer health behaviors and decreased immune function, contributing to poorer disease outcomes. Cancer treatments lead to a number of health complaints and symptoms, and increased stress and fatigue are common. When patients receive psychosocial support from their social networks and healthcare providers (HCPs), they are better able to manage the effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Understanding the needs of cancer patients is necessary to provide the best possible support and ensure associated outcomes.

Methods:  Patients currently receiving treatment for cancer, or who had completed treatment within 6 months were recruited from ambulatory care clinics at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. Questionnaires included the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS), the PROMIS Global Health Scale and Social Support measures, a Supportive Care Needs Preferences Assessment, and a brief, Personality Inventory. A subset of participants was invited to participate in an in-depth interview. This paper focuses on the findings from the quantitative arm of the study.

Results: To date, 56 participants have completed study questionnaires. The sample includes 11 different diagnostic categories, with the most common being breast (64.3%), colorectal (10.7%) and lymphoma (5.4%). The mean age is 64.39 (SD=14.41), 83.9% are female, 78.6% are non-Hispanic White, 26% have completed a graduate degree, 55.4% are married, 48.2% are not employed, and 37.5% have more than 80K income. The proportion of the sample undergoing active treatment is 46.8%, and 35.8% have completed treatment. Preliminary findings show that the highest level of need is in the physical and daily living needs domain, followed by psychological needs.

Implications: The study is part of a unique collaboration among Arizona State University, the Mayo Clinic, and the Cancer Support Community. There is a need to integrate supportive care services within the cancer centers and to inform HCPs and system leaders of the extent of the needs, and the kinds of services that are most needed by the patients. Nurses are in pivotal roles to ensure that supportive care needs are met. The study will inform future intervention design and development. Resources provided in this area ultimately will help the cancer patient achieve optimal well-being and improve QOL.