The short-form Cancer Needs Questionnaire (CNQ) is a self-administered cancer-specific questionnaire designed to assess patients' needs across several domains. The purpose of this study is to further evaluate its internal consistency and construct validity, in a group of ambulatory patients with cancer. Four hundred and fifty patients with a variety of cancer types participated. Factor analysis reproduced five domains: psychological; health information; physical and daily living; patient care and support; and interpersonal communication needs. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.94 to 0.77, indicating substantial consistency across items grouped in the five domains. A priori predictions regarding convergent and contrasting groups construct validity were explored using bivariate relationships between domains of the short-form CNQ, the EORTC QLQC-30 and Beck Depression Inventory (short-form), with support provided for most of the predictions. The current study provides supportive evidence that the short-form CNQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the needs of patients with cancer in an ambulatory care setting.

The object of this study was to identify factors which influence the uptake of psychosocial services in an ambulatory cancer setting and to identify potential barriers to the access of support services in the referral process. To this end, 202 individuals attending outpatient clinics of a cancer hospital were randomised to the intervention arm of a study to assess the impact of providing co-ordinated, targeted psychosocial referrals and interventions. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the reasons for failure to offer services and for nonacceptance of services was undertaken. Individuals accepted 22% of offered services, refused 38% of offered services, indicated that services were in place in 31% of cases, and were not offered 9% of identified services. The major response from patients refusing services was "not now". Female patients ( P < 0.01), and individuals with a moderate to high level of depression ( P = 0.02), were more likely to accept services. A variety of factors impact on decisions on utilisation of support services. Recommendations on how individuals' access to these services might be improved are offered, based on an analysis of the reasons given by patients for refusal.