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Perspectives on Psychosocial and Spiritual Cancer Support Services in New Zealand.
- Source :
- Journal of Psychosocial Oncology; Nov/Dec2013, Vol. 31 Issue 6, p659-674, 16p
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- In New Zealand, support services have been developed in response to patient need but are variable. The benefits of psycho-social-spiritual care in reducing distress and enhancing quality of life for people with cancer and their families are well established yet unmet needs continue to feature. This project aimed to examine how health care professionals assessed for psycho-social-spiritual distress and unmet need, decisions on appropriate support, and identification of barriers in the referral process. A mixed-methods approach was used for this research. The qualitative phase entailed semistructured interviews with health care professionals working in cancer care. The quantitative phase was an online survey of oncologists and nurses. Thematic analysis was carried out by performing a side-by-side analysis of both sets of data. Nurses were most likely to assess for psycho-social-spiritual need and to refer to support services. Despite a clear mandate to provide regular psycho-social-spiritual assessment, there is no consistency of assessment and referral across New Zealand. There are clearly unmet psycho-social-spiritual needs among people affected by cancer in New Zealand, with health care professionals in this study noting structural impediments to adequate supportive care. There is a mismatch between the importance placed on such care and the capacity that is currently available. The results of this study provide evidence that can be used to argue for improvements in the infrastructure, funding allocation and policy that would allow for better psycho-social-spiritual care within the challenging context of increasing numbers of those affected by cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Subjects :
- ATTITUDE (Psychology)
ONCOLOGY nursing
CANCER patient psychology
INTERVIEWING
RESEARCH methodology
MEDICAL personnel
MEDICAL referrals
MENTAL health services
NEEDS assessment
PHYSICIANS
PSYCHIATRISTS
PSYCHOLOGISTS
QUALITY of life
QUESTIONNAIRES
RESEARCH funding
SOCIAL workers
THEMATIC analysis
SPIRITUAL care (Medical care)
DATA analysis software
PATIENTS' attitudes
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 07347332
- Volume :
- 31
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Psychosocial Oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 91735451
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2013.835017