TY - JOUR
T1 - Are different groups of cancer patients offered rehabilitation to the same extent?
T2 - A report from the population-based study "The Cancer Patient's World"
AU - Ross, Lone
AU - Petersen, Morten Aagaard
AU - Johnsen, Anna Thit
AU - Lundstrøm, Louise Hyldborg
AU - Grønvold, Mogens
PY - 2012/5
Y1 - 2012/5
N2 - Purpose The number of cancer survivors is growing and cancer is now viewed as a chronic disease. This has highlighted the importance of providing adequate rehabilitation to prevent physical, psychological, and social sequelae of cancer. However, it is unclear whether those in need of rehabilitation are offered this. Methods Using patient-observer agreement and cognitive interviews, we validated a seven-item questionnaire designed to assess cancer patients' perception of the sufficiency of the offered rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study among 2,202 Danish cancer patients affiliated with hospitals was carried out. Results The questionnaire was well understood, indicating good validity. In the cross-sectional study, 1,490 patients (68%) participated. Up to 39% of cancer patients did not receive the physical rehabilitation they felt they needed. About half of those who had felt a need to talk to a psychologist were offered this. Insufficiency of other rehabilitation offers was reported by 10-24%. Age most consistently predicted insufficient rehabilitation; higher age predicted insufficient information about support from other sources (than hospital staff) and younger age predicted lack of help to manage symptoms, return to everyday life, and deal with financial and especially work-related consequences. We found no consistent signs of traditional social inequality in the perception of rehabilitation, but we observed some signs of social inequality for unemployed or divorced/separated patients. Conclusions Age predicted sufficiency of the rehabilitation in two directions, possibly reflecting different needs in younger and older patients. When tailoring rehabilitation programs, it should be ensured that the different needs are met.
AB - Purpose The number of cancer survivors is growing and cancer is now viewed as a chronic disease. This has highlighted the importance of providing adequate rehabilitation to prevent physical, psychological, and social sequelae of cancer. However, it is unclear whether those in need of rehabilitation are offered this. Methods Using patient-observer agreement and cognitive interviews, we validated a seven-item questionnaire designed to assess cancer patients' perception of the sufficiency of the offered rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study among 2,202 Danish cancer patients affiliated with hospitals was carried out. Results The questionnaire was well understood, indicating good validity. In the cross-sectional study, 1,490 patients (68%) participated. Up to 39% of cancer patients did not receive the physical rehabilitation they felt they needed. About half of those who had felt a need to talk to a psychologist were offered this. Insufficiency of other rehabilitation offers was reported by 10-24%. Age most consistently predicted insufficient rehabilitation; higher age predicted insufficient information about support from other sources (than hospital staff) and younger age predicted lack of help to manage symptoms, return to everyday life, and deal with financial and especially work-related consequences. We found no consistent signs of traditional social inequality in the perception of rehabilitation, but we observed some signs of social inequality for unemployed or divorced/separated patients. Conclusions Age predicted sufficiency of the rehabilitation in two directions, possibly reflecting different needs in younger and older patients. When tailoring rehabilitation programs, it should be ensured that the different needs are met.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adult
KW - Age Factors
KW - Aged
KW - Aged, 80 and over
KW - Cross-Sectional Studies
KW - Denmark
KW - Female
KW - Health Services Needs and Demand
KW - Humans
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Needs Assessment
KW - Neoplasms
KW - Patient Education as Topic
KW - Questionnaires
KW - Young Adult
U2 - 10.1007/s00520-011-1189-6
DO - 10.1007/s00520-011-1189-6
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 21597939
SN - 0941-4355
VL - 20
SP - 1089
EP - 1100
JO - Supportive Care in Cancer
JF - Supportive Care in Cancer
IS - 5
ER -