Objective
The aim of this umbrella systematic review was to critically synthesise unmet supportive care needs of people affected by cancer.
Data sources
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) umbrella review method provided an overall examination of the body of evidence. All qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods reviews were included irrespective of review design. Electronic databases were searched using a wide range of search terms. All records were managed using the software package Endnote X12 and uploaded to Covidence systematic review software. Duplication of records were removed. A pre-selection eligibility criterion was applied to all records. Data extraction, methodological quality assessment was conducted independently by two reviewers and a meta-level narrative synthesis conducted.
Conclusion
A total of 449 publications were identified and 28 systematic reviews (representing a total of 612 publications) globally. Irrespective of the type of cancer there were many commonalities in relation to the reported experiences of unmet supportive care needs which therefore enables the development of targeted future clinical trials, clinical guidelines, and policy contribution. In descending order of frequency, the highest unmet supportive care needs were related to psychological/emotional (28/28), health system/information (27/28), interpersonal/intimacy (19/28), social (18/28), physical (17/28), family (16/28), practical (14/28), daily living (9/28), spiritual needs (7/28), patient-clinician communication (7/28) and cognitive needs (4/28).
Implications for Nursing Practice:
This umbrella review has underscores fundamental shortcomings in care delivery irrespective of the patient population and the type of cancer. People with cancer are continually reporting that their needs are not being met across many supportive care domains. It is time for change within the health care system and to full leverage multidisciplinary person-centred models of care to optimise recovery and survivorship experiences. In the meantime, policy makers and cancer care clinicians are encouraged to reflect on these findings to address individualised care needs.