Purpose
An exponential number of Australians are diagnosed with and, subsequently, survive cancer. As more Australians live with/beyond cancer, the need for effective supportive care measures throughout the cancer continuum is essential. While people can live well after cancer, many experience a broad range of issues that may impact their quality of life. This meta-review aimed to examine the unmet supportive care needs of cancer survivors in Australia, how the health system can address issues in line with optimal care pathways, and what policy/implementation strategies can be applied.
Methods
Following a Cochrane-published methodology for rapid-structured reviews, searches were conducted on PubMed (including MEDLINE) and EMBASE. The meta-review focused on papers available in English, published within the last ten years, on adult populations (≥ 18 years) within the Australian-based context. Only review papers were included that explored supportive care domains outlined by Cancer Australia's Principles of Cancer Survivorship, including physical, psychological, social, cultural, information and spiritual needs.
Results
A total of 1047 titles were retrieved, with 10 texts included in this review, of which the majority included data from mixed cancer types (8/10). Reviews identified unmet supportive care needs in domains including psychological and social (n=6, respectively), informational (n=5), physical (n=4), and cultural (n=1). Most papers discussed multiple domains, while no included review discussed the unmet spiritual needs.
Conclusion
Addressing supportive care needs requires careful planning and implementation through consultation and advocacy with patients, communities and the health system. The objectives of any new policy should be straightforward and have a patient-centred approach that includes buy-in from many stakeholders in a landscape that makes implementation feasible, equitable and evidence-based. A shared-care model enables holistic care that will increase survivors' access to supportive cancer care, directly impacting quality of life, patient satisfaction, and overall improved experience within the health system.