Identification of Korean cancer survivors’ unmet needs and desired psychosocial assistance: A focus group study

Kim, Joo Young; Chun, Mison; Kim, Sangwon; Song, Joonsup

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0228054

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…In the literature, the majority of focus group discussions specific to cancer survivors, assessed unmet needs, concerns, and quality of life [11][12][13][14][15]. Apart from our study, only one other study by Signorelli reflected on PCPs and knowledge of late effects, but within the pediatric cancer population [16].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Survivorship Care Focus Group Discussions for Breast Cancer Survivors and Primary Care Clinicians

Klonoff-Cohen¹,

Polavarapu²

2021

COR

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Purpose: This is the first pilot study to examine survivors’ experiences and primary care physicians and nurse practitioners’ knowledge and behaviour practices with respect to late effects (e.g., fatigue, chemobrain, lymphodema, cardiac problems, reproductive, infertility and sexual health issues, bone problems, and pain). Methods: Two separate focus groups consisting of 5 breast cancer survivors and 5 primary care physicians and nurse practitioners recruited from a local hospital in Central Illinois answered predetermined questions about cancer survivorship care. We intentionally limited the sample in order to conduct a detailed discussion (90 minutes) to gain every participant’s perspective. Results: Breast cancer survivors expressed a void in discussion and lack of knowledge among their primary care physicians regarding late effects as well as psychological consequences, referrals to support groups, and availability of resources (e.g., finances), thereby negatively affecting survivors’ quality of life. A primary care clinician (PCC) focus group revealed a service gap for mental health services for all patients, knowledge deficit about late effects, and lack of awareness of patient resources. Both cancer survivors and PCCs were extremely supportive about a shared care survivorship model between oncology and primary care. All focus group participants were unequivocally receptive about enhancing survivorship care throughout a cancer survivor’s lifetime. Conclusion: Complementing cancer survivorship care with primary care clinicians in the areas of late effects, in addition to psychological consequences, screening, and lifestyle habits will enhance a cancer survivor’s health-related quality of life.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Survivorship Care Focus Group Discussions for Breast Cancer Survivors and Primary Care Clinicians

Klonoff-Cohen¹,

Polavarapu²

2021

COR

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“…The participants asserted that psychological support counseling was essential in all stages of cancer, from diagnosis to chemotherapy. Previous studies also argued that it is important to develop a program for the integrated psychological management of cancer patients, as they might continue to experience psychological difficulties after completing chemotherapy [ 4 ]. Participants in the study said they felt psychologically supported and gained hope through FGDs with their fellow patients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Second, applicability refers to the application feasibility of the research data in settings other than the research context. This is achieved by collecting data from the participants until there is no more new experience, that is, data saturation was achieved [ 4 ]. In the course of the two sessions of FGDs, the researchers continued the interview until different opinions were no longer suggested.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Qualitative methodology is considered to be more useful for acquiring an in-depth understanding of the unmet needs of cancer patients than are quantitative methods. Some qualitative studies on the issue have been published in Korea [ 4 , 5 , 12 ]. While these studies have deepened the apprehension of the unmet needs of cancer patients in Korea, it would be practical to establish a framework to compare the domains of such unmet needs between countries in different cultures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Unmet needs related to the quality of life of advanced cancer patients in Korea: a qualitative study

et al. 2021

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Background It has recently been emphasized that the unmet needs of cancer patients should be evaluated more holistically, for example, by exploring caregivers’ perspectives and cross cultural differences. This study explored additional domains or items of unmet needs among Korean cancer patients in reference to the Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral to Care (SPARC). Methods We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 15 cancer patients, following a semi-structured format to elicit participants’ health perceptions, comments on SPARC, and opinions on the roles of medical professionals to improve the health-related quality of life of cancer patients. We analyzed the verbatim transcripts using a content analysis method. Results The following themes were derived: living as a cancer patient, striving to overcome cancer, changing attitudes toward life after the cancer diagnosis, and ways to live a better life as a cancer patient. The participants asserted the significance of providing adequate treatment information that is easily understood by cancer patients during the conversation between patients and medical professionals. Besides the physical symptoms identified by SPARC, the participants struggled with numbness in their hands and feet and hair loss. Korean cancer patients prominently wished to avoid burdening their family or others in their daily life. They considered the improvement of health behaviors, such as diet and exercise, as part of the treatment, which was not limited to drugs. Furthermore, it was essential to evaluate the value of cancer patients’ lives, as they desired to be helpful members of their families and society. Conclusions This study identified additional domains and items of unmet needs of Korean cancer patients and broadened the understanding of unmet needs among cancer patients.

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“…However, there is currently a lack of an integrated post-care management system for cancer patients in Korea. Many cancer patients visit general hospitals located in the Seoul metropolitan area for better service, which causes the suffering of elderly or non-metropolitan residents from transportation-related problems such as excessive travel time and inconvenience of transportation in the metropolitan area [ 10 ]. In this regard, an appropriate approach to community-linked care can contribute to reducing the socioeconomic costs incurred by patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparative Analysis of the Perception of Cancer Patients and Healthcare Providers (Oncology Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers) in Support of Integrated Community-Linked Cancer Plans

Kim

Choi

Yun

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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This study aimed to examine the awareness and status of cancer patients and healthcare providers (physicians, nurses and social workers) regarding community linkage, in order to establish a desirable care plan model in a future research project. The survey was conducted via two methods: face-to-face for cancer patients (n = 308) and oncology physicians (n = 210), and due to COVID-19 circumstances, online for nurses (n = 200) and social workers (n = 313). As a result, more than 95% of the healthcare providers responded that cancer patients required community-linked services and discharge plans, whereas 50.7% and 79.2% of cancer patients noted the importance of community-linked services and discharge plans, respectively. Social workers, among healthcare providers, showed the most positive experience about connecting patients to community services since 69.7% of them responded as “excellent”. However, as a group, cancer patients considered the necessity of community-linked service as less important, as only 50.7% responded as agreeing it was necessary. The barriers to community linkage were the lack of communication among the different professions of healthcare providers, and the ambiguity in their roles. The findings of this study will inform future community-linked health research, policies and systems for cancer patients. In particular, an in-depth interview with cancer patients will be required to explore their lack of acknowledgment about the necessity of community-linked services. Therefore, this study is expected to contribute to the improvement and supplementation of cancer policies.

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Identification of Korean cancer survivors’ unmet needs and desired psychosocial assistance: A focus group study

Cited by 12 publications

References 20 publications

Survivorship Care Focus Group Discussions for Breast Cancer Survivors and Primary Care Clinicians

Survivorship Care Focus Group Discussions for Breast Cancer Survivors and Primary Care Clinicians

Unmet needs related to the quality of life of advanced cancer patients in Korea: a qualitative study

A Comparative Analysis of the Perception of Cancer Patients and Healthcare Providers (Oncology Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers) in Support of Integrated Community-Linked Cancer Plans

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