A systematic review of the supportive care needs of women living with and beyond cervical cancer

Maguire, R., Kotronoulas, G. , Simpson, M. and Paterson, C. (2015) A systematic review of the supportive care needs of women living with and beyond cervical cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 136(3), pp. 478-490. (doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.10.030) (PMID:25462200)

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Abstract

Background: Women with cervical cancer constitute a patient population in need for ongoing, person-centred supportive care. Our aim was to synthesise current available evidence with regard to the supportive care needs of women living with and beyond cervical cancer. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement guidelines. Seven electronic databases (DARE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, BNI, PsychINFO and EMBASE) were searched to identify studies employing qualitative and/or quantitative methods. Pre-specified selection criteria were applied to all records published between 1990 and 2013. Methodological quality evaluation was conducted using the standardised QualSyst evaluation tool. Findings were integrated in a narrative synthesis. Findings: Of 4936 references initially retrieved, 15 articles (13 unique studies) met eligibility criteria. One study fell below a pre-specified 55% threshold of methodological quality and was excluded. Individual needs were classified into ten domains of need. Interpersonal/intimacy (10; 83.3%), health system/information (8; 66.7%), psychological/emotional (7; 58.3%) and physical needs (6; 50%) were those most frequently explored. Spiritual/existential (1; 8.3%), family-related (2; 16.7%), practical (2; 16.7%), and daily living needs (2; 16.7%) were only rarely explored. Patient–clinician communication needs and social needs were addressed in 4 studies (33.3%). Dealing with fear of cancer recurrence, concerns about appearance/body image, lack of sexual desire, requiring more sexuality-related information, dealing with pain, and dealing with difficulties in relationship with partner were the most frequently cited individual needs (≥ 4 studies). Conclusions: Despite a host of additional needs experienced by women with cervical cancer, a predominant focus on sexuality/intimacy and information seeking issues is noted. Study limitations preclude drawing conclusions as to how these needs evolve over time from diagnosis to treatment and subsequently to survivorship. Whether demographic or clinical variables such as age, race/ethnicity, disease stage or treatment modality play a moderating role, only remains to be answered in future studies.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kotronoulas, Dr Greg
Authors: Maguire, R., Kotronoulas, G., Simpson, M., and Paterson, C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:Gynecologic Oncology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0090-8258
ISSN (Online):1095-6859
Published Online:20 November 2014

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