A qualitative investigation of the supportive care experiences of people living with pancreatic and oesophagogastric cancer

Journal article (2022)

Authors

Nadia N. Khan Monash University
A.D. Maharaj Monash University
Kate White University of Sydney
Liane J. Ioannou Monash University
Sue M. Evans Monash University
Charles H.C. Pilgrim Alfred Health
John R. Zalcberg Monash University
Wendy A. Brown Alfred Health
Paul Cashin Monash Health
Daniel Croagh Monash Health
Natasha Michael Cabrini Health
Jeremy Shapiro Cabrini Health
Affiliation
External organisation
Pancreatic cancer Supportive care Oesophagogastric cancer Symptom burden Unmet needs
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic and oesophagogastric (OG) cancers have a dismal prognosis and high symptom burden, with supportive care forming an integral component of the care provided to patients. This study aimed to explore the supportive care experiences of patients and caregivers living with pancreatic and OG cancers in order to identify perceived opportunities for improvement. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with people living with pancreatic and OG cancers, and their caregivers, across Victoria, Australia during 2020. Interviews were thematically analysed to identify common themes. Results: Forty-one participants were interviewed, including 30 patients and 11 caregivers. Three overarching themes, each with multiple sub-themes, were identified: (i) inadequate support for symptoms and issues across the cancer journey (ii) caregiver’s desire for greater support, and (iii) a multidisciplinary care team is the hallmark of a positive supportive care experience. Generally, those who had access to a cancer care coordinator and/or a palliative care team recounted more positive supportive care experiences. Conclusion: Unmet needs are prevalent across the pancreatic and OG cancer journey, with supportive care provided to varying levels of satisfaction. Greater awareness of and access to high-quality multidisciplinary support services is greatly desired by both patients with pancreatic and OG cancer and their caregivers.