Evaluating the needs of children with cancer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the survey study was to analyze published studies assessing the needs of children with cancer. Design: Literature review. Methods: Freely available and licensed databases (MEDLINE, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Wiley and CINAHL) were searched for necessary data. Results: The literature analysis revealed that needs assessment of children with cancer was described by several authors. Specifically, eight studies were found that were published between 1993 and 2011. The needs of children with cancer diagnosis were evaluated by both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Individual areas of bio-psycho-socio-spiritual needs of the study were investigated separately by the authors. None of the studies evaluated children's needs comprehensively in all the areas. Conclusion: The issue of assessing the needs of children with cancer is often discussed and examined. Studies cover different needs, from biological to spiritual needs. The greatest emphasis should be placed on biological needs due to many side effects of cancer treatment. In the future, it would be appropriate to develop and validate an evaluation tool that would map biological needs of children with cancer. The most effective way would be an assessment tool which would map the needs of children in a comprehensive way.