Priorities in Supportive Care Needs for Non-metastatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Iran: The Oncologists’ Perceptions
Background: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have unmet needs. Oncologists play a central role in their supportive treatment. This study aims to describe Iranian oncologists' perceptions in terms of priorities in supportive care needs for nonmetastatic cancer patients undergoing chemo...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
2017-09-01
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| Series: | Middle East Journal of Cancer |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://mejc.sums.ac.ir/index.php/mejc/article/view/600/324 |
| Summary: | Background: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have unmet needs.
Oncologists play a central role in their supportive treatment. This study aims to describe
Iranian oncologists' perceptions in terms of priorities in supportive care needs for nonmetastatic
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods: We conducted this study using a descriptive, exploratory qualitative
approach with a purposive sampling method. Interviews were conducted from July to
October 2016 with medical oncologists (mean age: 47.5 years) who had a mean work
experience of 15.8 years. Data saturation was achieved with 15 participants. Interviews
were semi-structured. Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach
and MAXQDA software were used to analyze the data.
Results: There were two main categories obtained from data analysis: 1. continued
comprehensive support in the disease continuum from diagnosis to rehabilitation
(education and consultation, social and treatment support for patients, consideration of
family support, addressing cultural conditions, psychological support, and financial
support) and 2. Prerequisites in the preparation of the care system (the need for creating
multidisciplinary teams, development and improvement of health care settings to
provide services, and empowering the healthcare team to provide quality care).
Conclusion: Comprehensive care for these patients and integration of these supports
are essential in routine care. Major needs which must be addressed more seriously in
the Iranian care system include the need for continued comprehensive support in the
disease continuum from diagnosis to rehabilitation and prerequisites in the preparation
of the care system. |
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| ISSN: | 2008-6709 2008-6687 |