1. Inequalities in access to neuro-oncology supportive care and rehabilitation: A survey of healthcare professionals' perspectives.
- Author
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Boele, Florien, Rosenlund, Lena, Nordentoft, Sara, Melhuish, Sara, Nicklin, Emma, Rydén, Isabelle, Williamson, Aoife, Donders-Kamphuis, Marike, Preusser, Matthias, Rhun, Emilie Le, Kiesel, Barbara, Minniti, Giuseppe, Furtner, Julia, Dirven, Linda, Taphoorn, Martin, Galldiks, Norbert, Rudà, Roberta, Chalmers, Anthony, Short, Susan C, and Piil, Karin
- Subjects
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MEDICAL personnel , *PHYSICIANS , *NEUROREHABILITATION , *PSYCHO-oncology , *ONCOLOGY nursing , *REHABILITATION , *HEALTH equity , *BRAIN cancer - Abstract
Background Neuro-oncology patients and caregivers should have equitable access to rehabilitation, supportive-, and palliative care. To investigate existing issues and potential solutions, we surveyed neuro-oncology professionals to explore current barriers and facilitators to screening patients' needs and referral to services. Methods Members of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Brain Tumor Group (EORTC-BTG) were invited to complete a 39-item online questionnaire covering the availability of services, screening, and referral practice. Responses were analyzed descriptively; associations between sociodemographic/clinical variables and screening/referral practice were explored. Results In total, 103 participants completed the survey (67% women and 57% medical doctors). Fifteen professions from 23 countries were represented. Various rehabilitation, supportive-, and palliative care services were available yet rated "inadequate" by 21–37% of participants. Most respondents with a clinical role (n = 94) declare to screen (78%) and to refer (83%) their patients routinely for physical/cognitive/emotional issues. Survey completers (n = 103) indicated the main reasons for not screening/referring were (1) lack of suitable referral options (50%); (2) shortage of healthcare professionals (48%); and (3) long waiting lists (42%). To improve service provision, respondents suggested there is a need for education about neuro-oncology-specific issues (75%), improving the availability of services (65%) and staff (64%), developing international guidelines (64%), and strengthening the existing evidence-base for rehabilitation (60%). Conclusions Detecting and managing neuro-oncology patients' and caregivers' rehabilitation, supportive,- and palliative care needs can be improved. Better international collaboration can help address healthcare disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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