Dataset Information

Geographical comparisons of information and support needs of Australian women following the primary treatment of breast cancer: a 10-year replication study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2002, Raupach and Hiller examined the use of and satisfaction with information and support following treatment of breast cancer from a sample of participants in South Australia. In 2013 this study was replicated to include participants Australia wide and analyse comparisons based on geographical location. Statistical comparisons with the original study were also conducted.

Design

A 10 year replication study using a cross-sectional needs analysis survey.

Setting and participants

Women aged 18+ years diagnosed with breast cancer between 6 and 30 months ago were sourced from two national databases of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Results

A total of 325 participants completed the survey. The Internet was the most commonly used source of information with 70% (n = 229 of 325) of women using the internet for information, a statistically significantly higher percentage compared with the 2002 study. The study found the top four information issues rated as moderately/extremely important by women in 2013 were identical in 2002. A comparison of sources of support used showed that women in outer regional, remote and very remote areas were statistically more likely to use the breast care nurse (BCN) for support (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

The study provides useful, up-to-date data about information and support services used by Australian women with breast cancer. Comparisons with the earlier study show some of the needs of women have changed over time, but others have remained the same. Geographic comparisons overall, demonstrate many consistent findings regardless of location, however, the important work of the breast care nurse is an area in need of further research.

SUBMITTER: Ahern T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5810744 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Geographical comparisons of information and support needs of Australian women following the primary treatment of breast cancer: a 10-year replication study.

Ahern Tracey T Gardner Anne A Courtney Mary M

Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy 20140729 6

<h4>Background</h4>In 2002, Raupach and Hiller examined the use of and satisfaction with information and support following treatment of breast cancer from a sample of participants in South Australia. In 2013 this study was replicated to include participants Australia wide and analyse comparisons based on geographical location. Statistical comparisons with the original study were also conducted.<h4>Design</h4>A 10 year replication study using a cross-sectional needs analysis survey.<h4>Setting an ...[more]

PMID: 25131899

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Project description:BackgroundThe end of active treatment is a period of high stress for young people with cancer, but limited literature exists about their information and support needs during this phase. This study aimed to understand the needs of young people with cancer, how these needs are currently being met, and how best to provide information and support at the end of active treatment.MethodsThis was a multi-stage, mixed methods study exploring the end of treatment experience from the perspectives of young people, and the healthcare professionals caring for them. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with healthcare professionals, which informed a survey administered nationally. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people. These combined results informed a co-design workshop to develop recommendations.ResultsTelephone interviews were conducted with 12 healthcare professionals and 49 completed the online survey. A total of 11 young people aged 19-26 years (female = 8; 73%) were interviewed. The stakeholder workshop was attended by both healthcare professionals (n = 8) and young people (n = 3). At the end of treatment young people experience numerous ongoing physical issues including pain, fatigue and insomnia; in addition to a range of psychosocial and emotional issues including anxiety, fear of recurrence and isolation. The top three priorities for end of treatment care were: earlier provision and preparation around on-going impact of cancer and cancer treatment; standardised and continued follow-up of young people's emotional well-being; and development of more information and resources specific to young people.ConclusionThe access and availability of appropriate information and sources of support at the end of treatment is variable and inequitable. Young people's needs would be more effectively met by timely, structured and accessible information, and support provision at the end of treatment to both prepare and enable adaptation across their transition to living with and beyond cancer. This will require both organisational and practical adjustments in care delivery, in addition to a renewed and updated understanding of what the 'end of treatment' transition process means.

Dataset Information

Geographical comparisons of information and support needs of Australian women following the primary treatment of breast cancer: a 10-year replication study.

Background

Design

Setting and participants

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Geographical comparisons of information and support needs of Australian women following the primary treatment of breast cancer: a 10-year replication study.

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