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Symptoms, psychological distress, and supportive care needs in lung cancer patients

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of symptoms, psychological distress, and supportive care needs and factors related to five unmet need domains in lung cancer patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 152 lung cancer patients at a medical center in Taiwan assessed their symptoms, psychological distress, and unmet supportive needs in five major care domains. Logistic regression was applied to examine the related factors of unmet supportive care needs.

Results

In general, patients had mild-to-moderate levels of symptoms and high prevalence of psychological distress. Regardless of their treatment status, they reported high levels of supportive care needs. The top three need domains were: (1) health system and information, (2) psychological, and (3) patient care and support. Levels of symptoms, anxiety, and depression were the most significant factors in unmet supportive care needs.

Conclusion

The effect of symptoms and psychological distress on unmet supportive care needs is substantial. Therefore, a systematic assessment of patients’ distress and care needs is important for clinical lung cancer care. Further intervention consisting of symptom management, continuing counseling, and preparation for transition from active treatment to the follow-up stages are essential in improving quality of care.

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Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a grant from the National Health Research Institute, Taiwan, R.O.C. (NHRI—EX98—9807PI). We would like to thank Dr. Girgis and the Centre for Health Research & Psycho-oncology for their permission to use the Cancer Needs Questionnaire short form. We gratefully acknowledge all the study participants for sharing their experiences. The authors also thank Marc Anthony and Marc D. Baldwin for their English editing.

Conflict of interest

No conflict of interest declared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen-Ai Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei, 100, Taiwan

    Yu-Chien Liao, Shiow-Ching Shun & Yeur-Hur Lai

  2. Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan

    Yu-Chien Liao

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Jen-Ai Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei, 100, Taiwan

    Wei-Yu Liao, Chong-Jen Yu & Pan-Chyr Yang

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Correspondence to Yeur-Hur Lai.

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Liao, YC., Liao, WY., Shun, SC. et al. Symptoms, psychological distress, and supportive care needs in lung cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 19, 1743–1751 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1014-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-1014-7

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