A mixed-method systematic review of unmet care and support needs among Japanese cancer survivors

Miyako Tsuchiya; Makiko Tazaki; Risako Fujita; Shoko Kodama; Yoshinori Takata

doi:10.1007/s11764-023-01439-5

A mixed-method systematic review of unmet care and support needs among Japanese cancer survivors

J Cancer Surviv. 2023 Aug 2. doi: 10.1007/s11764-023-01439-5. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Miyako Tsuchiya^{1

2}, Makiko Tazaki^{3

4}, Risako Fujita^{3

5}, Shoko Kodama⁶, Yoshinori Takata⁷

Affiliations

¹ Research Institute of Nursing, Musashino University, 3-3-3, Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8181, Japan. miyako.tsuchi7@gmail.com.
² Former Division of Healthcare Delivery, Survivorship and Policy Research, Institute of Cancer Control, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan. miyako.tsuchi7@gmail.com.
³ Former Division of Healthcare Delivery, Survivorship and Policy Research, Institute of Cancer Control, National Cancer Center, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
⁴ Graduate School of Nursing, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8672, Japan.
⁵ Shirokanetakanawa Clinic, 1-13-11, Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0072, Japan.
⁶ Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
⁷ Department of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing, 4-1-3 Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo, 150-0012, Japan.

PMID: 37531042
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01439-5

Abstract

Purpose: To synthesize published studies regarding Japanese cancer survivors' needs/unmet needs of care/support, change of unmet needs over time, and preferred care/support providers.

Methods: A mixed-method systematic review was conducted. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Ichu-shi were searched from inception to May 2022. Quantitative and qualitative studies were separately analyzed using narrative synthesis and meta-ethnography. Each finding was synthesized using a line of argument.

Results: Twenty-four studies (13 quantitative and 11 qualitative studies) were included. Six quantitative studies reported unmet needs in survivors of adolescent and young adult (n=1) and adulthood (n=5) cancer. No longitudinal studies regarding changes in unmet needs were identified. One study reported that adults preferred care/support providers. The quantitative studies identified more help in physical (48.2-51.0%, n=2) and psychological issues (17.4-78.8%, n=5), information (27.9-58.0%, n=3), and healthcare services (25.3-67.1%, n=2) among adults. The qualitative studies emphasized more tailor-made information about life events for young cancer survivors. More empathic and trustworthy interactions with surrounding people, including healthcare professionals, were demanded, regardless of age. A line of argument illustrated that cancer survivors had insufficient resources for activities and empowerment to face life with cancer at all phases.

Conclusions: Japanese cancer survivors' unmet needs are diverse. More information and resources for psychological care/support and local healthcare services post-treatment are needed, which may hinder the optimal transition to survivorship.

Implications for cancer survivors: The synthesized evidence should be utilized to implement a comprehensive care/support system in practice and educate people surrounding cancer survivors, regardless of age.

Keywords: Cancer care; Cancer support; Cancer survivors; Mixed methods; Systematic review; Unmet needs.

Publication types

Review