The Unmet Needs of Cancer Survivors in Ausl IRCCS Reggio Emilia

Conditions studied

Cancer, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Neoplasms

About this study

This qualitative study seeks to explore the unmet needs of individuals who have recently undergone a cancer diagnosis and completed the acute phase of treatment. The primary objective is to utilize the experiences of patients, caregivers, and stakeholders to enhance the aftercare provided to cancer survivors. By delving into patient perceptions regarding unmet needs in cancer aftercare, the study aims to identify areas for redesigning and improving services to minimize these needs and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Importantly, the investigation incorporates insights from patients, their caregivers, and stakeholders. The research will employ qualitative methods, specifically focus groups and interviews, to gather comprehensive perspectives from individuals in the Ausl IRCCS Reggio Emilia district who have completed treatment for breast, prostate, colorectal, thyroid, and multiple myeloma cancers. Including patients with diverse cancer types is crucial for capturing a broad spectrum of experiences. During data collection, both focus group discussions and interviews will be recorded in audio format and transcribed verbatim. This meticulous approach ensures an accurate representation of participants' voices and experiences. The subsequent analysis will employ a combination of framework and thematic analysis to extract meaningful insights and synthesize the data effectively. The study's ultimate goal is to leverage the findings to optimize aftercare services for cancer survivors within the local context of Ausl IRCCS Reggio Emilia. By incorporating the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and stakeholders, the research aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform the redesign and improvement of aftercare services, ultimately benefitting cancer survivors in the region.

Interventions

• Other: Focus Groups or Interviews — Focus groups and qualitative interview will be conducted with patients, caregivers and stake-holders trying to identify unmet needs of cancer survivors after the acute treatment phase. Individual interviews (in presence or online) will be hold as alternative if it will not be possible (due to logistical or personal problems) to participate in a focus group or if the number of people who would have agreed to participate in that focus group is less than 3

Primary outcomes

• Experience of Self-reported perception of Unmet Needs (1- In the last three months 2- In the last 12 months)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Casa della Salute ex Spallanzani, Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia 42123 Italy