Defining research priorities and needs in cancer symptoms for adults diagnosed with cancer: an Australian/New Zealand modified Delphi study

Yenson, VM; Amgarth-Duff, I; Brown, L; Caperchione, CM; Clark, K; Cross, A; Good, P; Landers, A; Luckett, T; Philip, J; Steer, C; Vardy, JL; Wong, AK; Agar, MR

Author(s): Yenson, VM; Amgarth-Duff, I; Brown, L; Caperchione, CM; Clark, K; Cross, A; Good, P; Landers, A; Luckett, T; Philip, J; Steer, C; Vardy, JL; Wong, AK; Agar, MR;
Details: Publication Year 2023-07-03,Volume 31,Issue #7,Page 436
Journal Title: Supportive Care in Cancer
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study asked consumers (patients, carers) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify the most important symptoms for adults with cancer and potential treatment interventions. METHODS: A modified Delphi study was conducted involving two rounds of electronic surveys based on prevalent cancer symptoms identified from the literature. Round 1 gathered information on participant demographics, opinions and/or experience on cancer symptom frequency and impact, and suggestions for interventions and/or service delivery models for further research to improve management of cancer symptoms. In Round 2, respondents ranked the importance of the top ten interventions identified in Round 1. In Round 3, separate expert panels of consumers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) attempted to reach consensus on the symptoms and interventions previously identified. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for six symptoms across both groups: fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, incontinence, and difficulty with urination. Notably, fatigue was the only symptom to reach consensus across both groups in Round 1. Similarly, consensus was reached for six interventions across both groups. These were the following: medicinal cannabis, physical activity, psychological therapies, non-opioid interventions for pain, opioids for breathlessness and cough, and other pharmacological interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Consumers and HCPs prioritise differently; however, the symptoms and interventions that reached consensus provide a basis for future research. Fatigue should be considered a high priority given its prevalence and its influence on other symptoms. The lack of consumer consensus indicates the uniqueness of their experience and the need for a patient-centred approach. Understanding individual consumer experience is important when planning research into better symptom management.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: Humans; Adult; Delphi Technique; New Zealand; Australia; *Neoplasms/complications/therapy; Research Design; Fatigue/etiology/therapy; Cancer symptoms; Consumers; Delphi; Healthcare professionals; Neoplasms
Department(s): Palliative Care
PubMed ID: 37395859
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-07889-y
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-07889-y
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-10-24 04:50:22

Last Modified: 2023-10-24 04:50:48