Health-related quality of life, needs, and concerns among cancer survivors referred to rehabilitation in primary healthcare setting
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/1651-226X.2024.19636Keywords:
Cancer rehabilitation, health-related quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, functional assessment of cancer therapy-general, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, holistic rehabilitationAbstract
Background and purpose: There is a growing need for rehabilitation services beyond hospitals. This study aims to describe challenges faced by cancer survivors (CSs) referred for rehabilitation in primary healthcare, employing standardized scales measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and open-ended questions. Furthermore, the study explores the applicability of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in comprehensively understanding challenges encountered by CSs.
Material and methods: This cross-sectional study involves CSs referred for cancer rehabilitation in a primary healthcare setting, including those participating in PROs as a part of routine practice. HRQOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framed the analysis of responses to open-ended questions ‘what concerns you the most?’ and ‘what matters to you?’
Results: FACT-G showed the lowest scores for functional well-being (14.4) and emotional well-being (16.6), with higher scores for physical well-being (18.9) and social/family well-being (21.1). Responses to open-ended questions unveiled worries about everyday life and how cancer will impact family well-being presently and in the future. Furthermore, CSs reported a need to maintain normality and proactively address the challenges posed by the disease.
Interpretation: CSs referred for rehabilitation in primary healthcare experience comprehensive challenges necessitating a holistic rehabilitation approach. This includes interventions supporting CSs in dealing with uncertainty, regaining a sense of control, and addressing family well-being concerns. When using PROs for need assessment, the combination of validated HRQOL scales and open-ended questions is crucial for an in-depth understanding of CSs’ challenges.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Mette T. Sandager, Sine Rossen, Dorte T. Hofland, Claus V. Nielsen, Thomas Maribo
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