Needs and preferences of patients regarding basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma care: a qualitative focus group study

BACKGROUND

Despite the high and rising incidence rate of keratinocyte cancer (KC) and the importance of incorporating patient values into evidence-based care, few studies have focused on the perspectives of patients with KC.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the needs and preferences of patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) regarding care.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted consisting of three focus groups with patients with BCC and three focus groups with patients with SCC. In total 42 patients participated. In each focus group, the patients' needs and preferences regarding treatment and follow-up were discussed, using a predefined topic list. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by two researchers.

RESULTS

The following needs and preferences were identified: (i) the need to receive all relevant, tailored information; (ii) a physician who takes you seriously and communicates well; (iii) a short waiting period and the best treatment with direct results; (iv) to be seen by the same physician; a preference for a dermatologist during (v) treatment and (vi) follow-up; (vii) a general need for structured follow-up care and (viii) a full-body skin examination during follow-up. Patients with BCC additionally expressed the need for openness and transparency and wanting to participate in shared decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

It is advocated to organize skin cancer care that is better tailored to the needs of patients with KC, providing patient-centred care. This should include investing in the patient-physician relationship, and personalizing the type and form of information and the follow-up schedules. Adding the patient's perspective to current guidelines could facilitate this process.

The needs and experiences of patients with skin cancer: a qualitative systematic review with metasynthesis

Skin cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. This is an update of a previous review published in 2010 that identified only two studies and found that the needs and experiences of individuals with skin cancer were under-researched. Our objective was to undertake a qualitative systematic review of the needs and experiences of people with a diagnosis of skin cancer. To update the previous review, the following databases were searched from 2010 to 30 November 2015: CINAHL PsycINFO, Medline and Embase. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment Review Instrument. The qualitative research findings were synthesized using a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach. A total of 14 studies (16 papers) were included. Only three studies included patients with keratinocyte carcinoma. Overall, 15 categories were identified and these resulted in four overarching synthesized findings (SFs) from diagnosis (SF1), throughout treatment (SF2) and follow-up (SF3), and then a fourth SF (SF4) that addressed patients' satisfaction with their care and their relationship with healthcare professionals. Despite the fact that patients with keratinocyte carcinoma and melanoma can have a very different prognosis, they also share similar needs and concerns especially around the time of diagnosis and follow-up/surveillance for new lesions. Healthcare professionals working with patients with skin cancer need to understand their psychosocial concerns and their information needs in order to design services appropriately. Future studies need to consider patients with keratinocyte carcinoma in addition to patients with melanoma.

Systematic review of psychosocial outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma

BACKGROUND

New advanced melanoma therapies are associated with improved survival; however, quality of survivorship, particularly psychosocial outcomes, for patients overall and those treated with newer therapies is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence about psychosocial outcomes for advanced (stage III/IV) melanoma patients.

METHODS

Five databases were searched (01/01/1980 to 31/01/2016). Inclusion criteria were as follows: advanced melanoma patients or sub-group analysis; assessed psychosocial outcomes; and English language.

RESULTS

Fifty-two studies met review criteria (4 qualitative, 48 quantitative). Trials comprise mostly medical not psychosocial interventions, with psychosocial outcomes assessed within broader quality of life measures. Patients receiving chemotherapy or IFN-alpha showed decreased emotional and social function and increased distress. Five trials of newer therapies appeared to show improvements in emotional and social function. Descriptive studies suggest that patients with advanced, versus localized disease, had decreased emotional and social function and increased distress. Contributors to distress were largely unexplored, and no clear framework described coping/adjustment trajectories. Patients with advanced versus localized disease had more supportive care needs, particularly amount, quality, and timing of melanoma-related information, communication with and emotional support from clinicians. Limitations included: lack of theoretical underpinnings guiding study design; inconsistent measurement approaches; small sample sizes; non-representative sampling; and cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality trial evidence is needed to clarify the impact of treatment innovations for advanced melanoma on patients' psychosocial well-being. Survivorship research and subsequent translation of that knowledge into programs and services currently lags behind gains in the medical treatment of advanced melanoma, a troubling circumstance that requires immediate and focused attention.