Unexpressed psychosocial needs in cancer patients at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation: a qualitative analysis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients often need professional help to alleviate their psychosocial distress. However, not all patients express their needs. In this study, we explored possible barriers to patients' expressing needs, contents of needs difficult to express, and conditions facilitating expressing needs. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 oncological inpatient rehabilitation patients, 7 members of self-help groups, and 10 health professionals. We analyzed data with structuring content analysis. RESULTS: Fear of stigmatization and difficulties in the physician-patient-relationship were the most critical expression barriers reported. Sexuality deemed to be one of the most challenging themes for patients. Changes in the physician's behavior and sufficient resources were mentioned as the main facilitating conditions. Our results indicate a wide diversity within the barriers and topics, but a general consistency between patients and health professionals. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the existence of a variety of barriers to cancer patients' expressing their needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health professionals should be aware of the different possible expression barriers to facilitate patient communication.