This qualitative study seeks to explore the unmet needs of individuals who have recently undergone a cancer diagnosis and completed the acute phase of treatment. The primary objective is to utilize the experiences of patients, caregivers, and stakeholders to enhance the aftercare provided to cancer survivors. By delving into patient perceptions regarding unmet needs in cancer aftercare, the study aims to identify areas for redesigning and improving services to minimize these needs and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Importantly, the investigation incorporates insights from patients, their caregivers, and stakeholders.
The research will employ qualitative methods, specifically focus groups and interviews, to gather comprehensive perspectives from individuals in the Ausl IRCCS Reggio Emilia district who have completed treatment for breast, prostate, colorectal, thyroid, and multiple myeloma cancers. Including patients with diverse cancer types is crucial for capturing a broad spectrum of experiences.
During data collection, both focus group discussions and interviews will be recorded in audio format and transcribed verbatim. This meticulous approach ensures an accurate representation of participants' voices and experiences. The subsequent analysis will employ a combination of framework and thematic analysis to extract meaningful insights and synthesize the data effectively.
The study's ultimate goal is to leverage the findings to optimize aftercare services for cancer survivors within the local context of Ausl IRCCS Reggio Emilia. By incorporating the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and stakeholders, the research aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform the redesign and improvement of aftercare services, ultimately benefitting cancer survivors in the region.
Adult aged18 years or over.
Individuals who have a history of breast, prostate, thyroid, colorectal, multiple myeloma or lymphoma cancer within the past years who have completed the acute phase of treatment, and are in follow-up or are receiving maintenance treatment;
Caregivers for an individual who meets the above criteria, who are aged 18 years or over.
Stakeholders for individual who meets the above criteria, who are aged 18 years or over.
Individuals who do not wish to participate
Individuals who do not understand and/or speak Italian
Individuals with significant cognitive impairment, learning difficulty, or communication difficulty such that understanding the nature of the study, the interview questions, or participating in a focus group or an on-line or in-presence interview would not be practical.
Cancer survivors who have recived a diagnosis of the following types of cancer: * breast, * prostate, * thyroid, * colorectal, * multiple myeloma * lymphoma Or caregiver/stakeholder of an individual who meets the inclusion criteria and are aged 18 years or over
Cohort
Cross-sectional
Focus Groups or Interviews
Other interventionFocus groups and qualitative interview will be conducted with patients, caregivers and stake-holders trying to identify unmet needs of cancer survivors after the acute treatment phase. Individual interviews (in presence or online) will be hold as alternative if it will not be possible (due to logistical or personal problems) to participate in a focus group or if the number of people who would have agreed to participate in that focus group is less than 3
Experience of Self-reported perception of Unmet Needs
Evaluation from the patients' point of view on their perception of unmet needs, which are those needs that lack the level of service an individual perceives as necessary to achieve optimal well-being. Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with patients' participating in the study to collect information and description of unsatisfied needs for which cancer survivors would like to receive more assistance or support. These may include (as an example): Stress or other psychological demands, Informational needs, Physical needs, Spiritual needs, among others.
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University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Lead sponsor
Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia
Collaborator
