TY - JOUR
T1 - Factors associated with supportive care needs of patients under treatment for breast cancer
AU - Schmid-Buechi, Silvia
AU - Halfens, Ruud J. G.
AU - Mueller, Marianne
AU - Dassen, Theo
AU - van den Borne, Bart
PY - 2013/2
Y1 - 2013/2
N2 - Purpose: This study aimed at gaining insight into supportive care needs and cancer treatment-related symptoms, and to determine factors associated with supportive care needs. Breast cancer and its treatment cause emotional trauma and health complaints. These lead to supportive care needs in some patients, while others are more able to cope with these consequences themselves. To be able to address these needs, it is important to identify patients' needs at the time they arise. Methods: Women (n = 175) with newly-diagnosed breast cancer, under treatment in two Swiss breast cancer clinics, participated in a cross-sectional survey. Standardized instruments were used: Supportive Care Needs Survey, Cancer- and Cancer Treatment-related Symptom Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, and Interpersonal Relationship Inventory. Results: The patients' most needed help with psychological issues. Many had treatment-related symptoms like fatigue (87.7%), hot flashes (71.5%), and a changed body appearance (55.8%). The majority suffered from distress (56.2%), fewer from anxiety (24.1%) and depression (12.1%). Physical and social impairment, impaired body image, distress, anxiety and depression, a lack of social support and conflicts in their personal relationships were associated with supportive care needs. Conclusions: The findings can help to identify more vulnerable patients with unmet needs and a higher demand for support. Assessment of patients enables health care professionals to provide support and counselling. In these assessments, the patients' relationship to close relatives should also be addressed.
AB - Purpose: This study aimed at gaining insight into supportive care needs and cancer treatment-related symptoms, and to determine factors associated with supportive care needs. Breast cancer and its treatment cause emotional trauma and health complaints. These lead to supportive care needs in some patients, while others are more able to cope with these consequences themselves. To be able to address these needs, it is important to identify patients' needs at the time they arise. Methods: Women (n = 175) with newly-diagnosed breast cancer, under treatment in two Swiss breast cancer clinics, participated in a cross-sectional survey. Standardized instruments were used: Supportive Care Needs Survey, Cancer- and Cancer Treatment-related Symptom Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, and Interpersonal Relationship Inventory. Results: The patients' most needed help with psychological issues. Many had treatment-related symptoms like fatigue (87.7%), hot flashes (71.5%), and a changed body appearance (55.8%). The majority suffered from distress (56.2%), fewer from anxiety (24.1%) and depression (12.1%). Physical and social impairment, impaired body image, distress, anxiety and depression, a lack of social support and conflicts in their personal relationships were associated with supportive care needs. Conclusions: The findings can help to identify more vulnerable patients with unmet needs and a higher demand for support. Assessment of patients enables health care professionals to provide support and counselling. In these assessments, the patients' relationship to close relatives should also be addressed.
KW - Breast cancer
KW - Needs
KW - Psychosocial
KW - Distress
KW - Anxiety
KW - Support
KW - Interpersonal relationship
KW - Symptom perception
KW - Symptom management
U2 - 10.1016/j.ejon.2012.02.003
DO - 10.1016/j.ejon.2012.02.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 22449715
SN - 1462-3889
VL - 17
SP - 22
EP - 29
JO - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
JF - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
IS - 1
ER -