Are different groups of cancer patients offered rehabilitation to the same extent? A report from the population-based study "The Cancer Patient's World"

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 -