Identifying unmet information needs of advanced cancer patients in Iran: An in‐depth qualitative study

Abstract

Background and Aims One of the main vital needs for self‐care in patients with advanced cancer is information need. Meeting this need has significant positive effects on improving their treatment and care. This study was conducted to identify the unmet information needs of patients with advanced cancer in Iran. Methods This exploratory study was performed from July to February 2021 in the Kerman University of Medical Sciences cancer treatment centers. Oncologists selected eligible patients by purposeful sampling method. Semistructured and in‐depth interviews were conducted with selected patients to collect data. Interviews continued until data saturation. Each interview was audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results In the interviews, 15 patients with advanced cancer ranging in age from 43 to 65 years participated. The most common type of cancer in women was breast (71.4%) and prostate (50%) in men. The two main categories of “types of unmet information needs” and “reasons for not meeting information needs” were extracted from the analysis of patient interviews, with six and four subcategories, respectively. Conclusion Cancer patients had a large number of unmet information needs. At the time of identifying the unmet information needs of cancer patients, the basic reasons for not meeting these needs should also be considered because cultural differences and social gaps in societies are inevitable.

Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Women with Gynecological Cancer in Manipur, North East India

“…Nevertheless, this finding is not in agreement with several studies conducted in such as Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia and Iran by Fatiregun O et al 22 Unjai et al 21 Afiyanti et al 26 Amiri et al 27 where they reported sexual domain as domain with the most met needs. It's plausible to consider that sexual needs are adequately addressed; however, an alternative explanation might be associated with a stigma surrounding open discussions about sexual issues or the perceived prioritization of other domains over sexual needs within this specific group of patients.…”

Description of Information Needs in Cervical Cancer Patients

“…Pemenuhan kebutuhan informasi pada pasien kanker menjadi standar perawatan dan dukungan yang paling penting, karena informasi memiliki peranan yang penting dalam upaya pasien melawam penyakit kanker (Amiri et al, 2022). Jika kebutuhan informasi tidak terpenuhi, mungkin pasien kanker merasa tidak yakin dan memilih menghentikan pengobatannya.…”

Unmet Supportive Care Needs after Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Resection at a Tertiary Hospital in Seoul, South Korea

“…Presumably, a greater amount of information is required for comprehension in patients with decreased cognitive function. In a previous study in Iran [36], the reasons for insufficient fulfillment of information needs in subjects with poor cognitive abilities were outlined. A concern expressed by patients was that their lack of understanding regarding health hindered their ability to effectively communicate with medical personnel during the treatment process, resulting in a potential misinterpretation of the medical information provided by the experts [36].…”

“…In a previous study in Iran [36], the reasons for insufficient fulfillment of information needs in subjects with poor cognitive abilities were outlined. A concern expressed by patients was that their lack of understanding regarding health hindered their ability to effectively communicate with medical personnel during the treatment process, resulting in a potential misinterpretation of the medical information provided by the experts [36]. Therefore, information needs of NSCLC patients with cognitive impairments should be taken into consideration.…”