Supportive care needs in Australian melanoma patients and caregivers: results from a quantitative cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the supportive care needs of Australian melanoma patients and their caregivers to form the basis for improving services. Methods General and melanoma-related supportive care needs in melanoma patients were measured using the SCNS-SF34 and SCNS-M12 respectively, whereas caregivers completed the SCNS-P&C. Patients also completed the MCQ-28 and FCRI-9, with all participants completing the QLQ-C30, DASS-21, and questions measuring utilisation and preference for supportive health services. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with unmet needs in melanoma patients. Results A total of 56 early-stage patients, 100 advanced-stage patients, and 37 caregivers participated. At least three-quarters ($$\ge$$ ≥ 75%) of each participant group reported at least one unmet need. Of the ten most reported unmet needs in each participant group, at least six ($$\ge$$ ≥ 60%) were related to psychological and emotional well-being, with access to a psychologist the most desired service (> 25%). Fear of cancer recurrence was equally prevalent in both patient groups at a level indicative of need for intervention. Advanced-stage patients reported significantly (p < 0.05) more unmet psychological, physical and daily living, and sexuality needs, and significantly (p < 0.05) worse functioning than early-stage patients. Conclusion Australian melanoma patients and caregivers report substantial unmet supportive care needs, particularly regarding their psychological and emotional well-being. Psychological and emotional well-being services, such as access to a clinical psychologist or implementation of patient-reported outcome measures, should be incorporated into routine melanoma care to address unmet patient and caregiver needs and improve well-being.