Unmet needs for information and support of cancer patients and carers: a structured questionnaire study

Abstract

We examine the unmet needs for information and support of cancer patients and carers. A questionnaire study was performed among patients (n = 135) and carers (n = 73) at Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. Data are analysed using SPSS 27 by t-test, cross-tabulation and cluster and variance analyses. Patients and carers received less support than information. Older and less-educated individuals and males had more unmet needs. Carers received less information and support than patients. Carers expressed unmet needs particularly when they had limited opportunities to discuss with healthcare professionals. Individual needs of patients and carers should be addressed throughout the cancer care pathway.