The following is a summary of “Exploring Long-term Cancer Survivors’ Care Experiences and unmet needs: protocol for a Qualitative Study,” published in the July 2024 issue of Oncology by Speckemeier et al.
In recent decades, the number of cancer survivors has significantly increased, yet many continue to face sequelae related to their disease and treatment. This study, part of the broader OPTILATER research project, aims to investigate various aspects of care services for long-term survivors—individuals at least five years post-initial cancer diagnosis—within Germany. The study specifically focuses on the experiences of individuals across different age groups, socio-demographic and cultural backgrounds, and those who identify as sexually and gender diverse.
To gain insights into the experiences related to follow-up care, researchers conducted two focus groups comprising members of patient advisory councils, advocacy groups, community representatives, healthcare professionals, and members of Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Additionally, investigators conducted guided interviews with approximately 40 patients and their relatives to explore their needs and the barriers and obstacles they encounter in accessing follow-up care. Based on these findings, two further focus groups were organized to develop potential scenarios for enhancing the responsiveness of care services to these needs. The focus groups and interviews employed a semi-structured format, allowing in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives. The data will be analyzed using content analysis, with focus group discussions and interviews being conducted online, recorded, transcribed, and independently reviewed by two researchers to ensure accuracy and reliability.
This qualitative approach is particularly well-suited for the exploratory nature of this research, as it enables the identification of key experiences and barriers that may highlight disparities and areas for improvement in the care of long-term cancer survivors. By understanding these challenges and needs, they aim to inform better practices in follow-up care and ultimately enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors in Germany.
Source: bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-024-12527-9
