Identifying the informational and psychosocial needs of Chinese immigrant cancer patients: a focus group study

Abstract

Purpose The Chinese immigrant community faces multiple barriers to quality cancer care and cancer survivorship. Psychosocial interventions can positively impact quality of life, anxiety, and distress in cancer patients. In this study, we explored the informational and psychosocial needs of Chinese cancer patients to inform development of culturally targeted support and survivorship interventions. Methods We conducted four focus groups with a total of 28 Chinese cancer patients to elucidate their cancer informational and psychosocial needs. The groups were conducted using standard methodology, and guided by community-based participatory research principles. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The research team conducted the analysis. Results Frequently occurring themes included: 1) need for accurate information on cancer and treatment options, 2) the role of language barriers in accessing cancer care, 3) the role of food in cancer and the need for nutritional information, and 4) the role of Chinese medicine in cancer treatment. Participants expressed significant dissatisfaction with the amount, reliability, and/or comprehensibility of available information. Conclusions Support groups and programs should be developed to address participants’ needs for more information on cancer and its treatment. Programs should educate and empower patients on how to find further Chinese language information and resources, and effectively communicate their questions and needs to providers in an interpreted encounter. System-level approaches should be implemented to ensure provision of interpretation services. Additionally, programs should incorporate the unique cultural needs of this population related to food/nutrition and Chinese medicine.

A Patient-centered Approach to Evaluate the Information Needs of Women With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

“…However, one could argue that receiving adequate information is even more important for this population underrepresented by our study, as language barriers have been demonstrated to make patients vulnerable to misunderstanding and confusion. [31][32][33] Another potential selection bias is that survey respondents may be more likely than nonrespondents to have been dissatisfied with the information they received, as they would have more of a reason to express their opinion through taking the survey. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that 93% of individuals who responded wanted at least half of the survey questions answered.…”

Factors influencing intercultural doctor–patient communication: A realist review

“…Also, both patients and doctors felt more satisfied when the doctor checked the patient's understanding. [58,72,[84][85][86][87][88][89] For example, paraphrasing and repeating the patient's exact words encouraged the patient to elaborate on their concerns. [90] Together, the communication objectives, the core skills and the specific skills would help to facilitate successful communication between doctors and patients.…”

Traditional Chinese Medicine Use among Chinese Immigrant Cancer Patients

“…Finally, patients were queried on whether they were ever advised not to use TCM by a Western doctor, and if they would be interested in learning more about TCM and potential interactions with cancer treatment, as well as potential toxicities due to TCM. Questions were developed based on prior qualitative work exploring the needs of Chinese immigrant cancer patients [23]. …”