Preparation for Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Patient Self-Reported Experiences and Correlates

Heidi Turon; Breanne Hobden; Kristy Fakes; Matthew Clapham; Anthony Proietto; Rob Sanson-Fisher

doi:10.3390/ijerph191610167

Preparation for Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Patient Self-Reported Experiences and Correlates

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 17;19(16):10167. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191610167.

Authors

Heidi Turon^{1

2

3}, Breanne Hobden^{1

2

3}, Kristy Fakes^{1

2

3}, Matthew Clapham⁴, Anthony Proietto^{1

2

3}, Rob Sanson-Fisher^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ Health Behaviour Research Collaborative, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
² Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
³ Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia.
⁴ Clinical Research Design and Statistics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia.

Abstract

Given the significant physical and psychosocial side-effects cancer treatment has on individuals, it is important to ensure patients receive adequate preparation prior to treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore, among Australian oncology patients, (i) the self-reported treatment preparation information they received; and (ii) the patient characteristics associated with the treatment preparation information received. Patients in the early stages of cancer treatment were invited to complete a survey exploring their receipt of information about treatment preparation. Items assessed patients' self-report of whether they had received information about the treatment process. A total of 165 participants completed the survey. Patients most frequently reported receiving information about how they might feel physically (94%) and what side effects to watch for (93%). One in five patients reported not receiving information about how to cope with any stress or worry related to treatment. Females reported receiving significantly fewer items of care compared to males (p = 0.0083). This study suggests that while self-reported preparation for cancer treatment is generally high, components of preparation related to psychosocial concerns could be improved. Survey data could be used as a feedback tool for centres to monitor delivery of care.

Keywords: cancer; cross-sectional; treatment preparation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Australia
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Neoplasms* / therapy
Self Report
Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research was supported by a Cancer Council New South Wales Program Grant (PG16-09) and infrastructure funding from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). BH is supported by an Australian Rotary Health Colin Dodd’s Postdoctoral Fellowship (G1801108).