Supportive care needs and utilization of bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objectives: Investigating supportive care (SC) needs and utilization/willingness to use SC services from diagnosis to one year after radical cystectomy in bladder cancer (BC) patients. Materials & Methods:A longitudinal cohort study was conducted in 90 BC patients at Ghent/Leuven University Hospitals between April 2017 and December 2020. The Supportive Care Needs Survey-short form (SCNS-SF34) was used before radical cystectomy, one, three, six and 12 months after radical cystectomy. Additional questions assessed utilization/willingness to use SC services. Linear mixed models were performed. Results:The majority of BC patients report at least one moderate or high SC need at diagnosis (82%), month 1 (84%), month 3 (86%), month 6 (64%), and month 12 (60%). Significant decreases over time were seen for all domains (p < 0.001), except for sexuality (p = 0.275). From baseline to month 1, physical needs first significantly increased (p = 0.001) after which they decreased. Psychological (e.g. fears about the future) and informational (e.g. information on how to get better) needs were most common at baseline whereas physical (e.g. lack of energy) and informational needs were more common in the early postoperative phases. The majority of patients (ranging from 81% (month 1) to 91% (month 12)) did not make use of SC services and the majority of the patients (ranging from 81% (month 1) to 88% (month 12)) did not wish to talk about their problems to someone. Those willing to talk to someone preferred their physician. Conclusions:A clear gap exists between the large proportion of SC needs experienced by BC patients undergoing radical cystectomy and the low use of SC services.

From fast-track to enhanced recovery after surgery in radical cystectomy pathways: A nursing perspective

“…24 Another goal is to involve patients in own recovery through patient centred, supportive care and educational initiatives. [25][26][27][28][29] Patient's value and desire considerations of aspects of their treatment beyond the simple balance efficacy versus adverse effect such as presence of support systems throughout the pathway. 22,30 Therefore, it is vital early to identify the patients personally needs and preferences to upcoming surgery to optimize adherence throughout the pathway.…”

Effect of Designed Nursing Protocol on Self-Reported Outcomes among Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

“…It may be related to the association between illiteracy and unhealthy behaviors that may predispose patients to disease, especially who have low levels of education or no education. This was not in the line with (Elke, et al, 2021), who study about" Supportive care needs and utilization of bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A longitudinal study." in Belgium That, the highest proportion of studied patients have secondary school.…”

Female sexual function in bladder cancer: A review of the evidence

“…This was enhanced in patients having cystectomy and urinary diversion of any type 11,12,30,31,37–40 . Although findings vary between studies, it is reported that up to 75% of women are sexually inactive following treatment, and in those who report being sexually active following treatment, this declines over time 11,30,35,41–44 …”

“…11,12,30,31,[37][38][39][40] Although findings vary between studies, it is reported that up to 75% of women are sexually inactive following treatment, and in those who report being sexually active following treatment, this declines over time. 11,30,35,[41][42][43][44] Conversely, one study reporting on outcomes in a nerve-sparing cystectomy cohort found that 66.7% of women remained sexually active at a mean of 12 months post-operatively. 31 This finding is consistent with the Bhatt et al 11 study that found improved outcomes in sexual function in their nerve-sparing cohorts.…”