Aims: Haematological cancers are a complex group of diseases. The often intensive treatment can affect a person’s ability to function within their usual roles, with related unmet psychosocial needs subsequently impacting upon overall psychological and emotional wellbeing. In the UK, haematological cancer is less likely to be treated within the larger cancer centres but rather within smaller satellite units which may have fewer psychosocial supportive care resources available. The identification of psychosocial needs most relevant to this patient group is necessary to effectively target and implement clinical services. We aimed to systematically review published literature on unmet psychosocial needs in patients with haematological cancer.
Method: A systematic search of online databases, and hand searching of three primary psychosocial oncology journals was conducted to identify all published research papers within this area. Papers were selected on the basis of pre-defined inclusion criteria and inclusion was verified by an independent reviewer. Of 14,547 titles identified in searches, 17 were included in the final review.
Results: Data synthesis is ongoing but preliminary findings suggest that some of the most commonly expressed psychosocial needs within this patient group relate to: emotional support, support from healthcare professionals, fear of recurrence, psychological distress and a need for information. Needs in these areas are perhaps unsurprising considering the general cancer literature, however, some differences between cancer type were identified with regard to specific sources of need, rather than general areas of need.
Conclusion: The preliminary findings indicate similarities in the type of psychosocial need present in haematological cancer in comparison to more general cancer samples, however, this is perhaps reflective of methodologies used as much as a true reflection of actual need. These findings build upon the current knowledge base of psychosocial needs in cancer patients and suggest important but unanswered questions that research needs to address.