Early Needs Assessment in Patients With Non‐Specific Symptoms of Cancer: An Explorative Study

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The incidence of cancer is growing causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Despite knowledge about the level of disability in patients with cancer, recognition of the value of rehabilitation and recommendations as well as adoption of systematic needs assessments is lacking. The aim was to describe patients with non-specific symptoms of cancer following the adoption of systematic needs assessment among those diagnosed with cancer and to evaluate the perspectives of patients, physiotherapists and other health professionals on needs assessment. METHODS: An explorative study including patients undergoing cancer diagnostics and health professionals in a cancer diagnostic clinic was conducted. Needs assessments among 39 patients with cancer, five individual patient interviews and a focus group interview with five health professionals were conducted between October 2021 and October 2022. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 39 of 55 patients completed needs assessment, and among these, 27 patients reported having various needs related to disability. Overall, patients and health professionals found early rehabilitation meaningful and the specific needs assessment form was also useful to provide information and guide conversations. Patients and health professionals also addressed barriers and suggestions for optimising efforts in future practice in relation to needs assessment for patients diagnosed with cancer. DISCUSSION: We characterised 55 patients diagnosed with cancer and identified their rehabilitation needs. Further, we documented that early systematic needs assessment conducted by physiotherapists and occupational therapists proved valuable and was generally well-received by both patients and health professionals. It underscores the significance of early rehabilitation with emphasis on daily life and identifies key areas where improvements can be made to better support rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with cancer.

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