Supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer after hospital discharge: multi-stakeholder perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer (PCa) after hospital discharge based on the perceptions of multiple stakeholders. Methods: Eight semi-structured focus groups and three individual interviews were conducted between September 2019 and January 2020, with 34 participants representing men with PCa, primary and secondary healthcare professionals, and cancer organizations in western Norway. Data was analysed using systematic text condensation. Results: Four categories emerged: 1) men with PCa have many information needs which should be optimally provided throughout the cancer care process; 2) various coordination efforts among stakeholders are needed to support men with PCa during follow-up; 3) supportive care resources supplement the healthcare services but knowledge about them is random; and 4) structured healthcare processes are needed to improve the services offered to men with PCa. Variations were described regarding priority, optimal mode and timeliness of supportive care needs, while alignment was concerned with establishing structures within and between stakeholders to improve patient care and coordination. Conclusions: Despite alignment among stakeholders’ regarding the necessity for standardization of information and coordination practices, the mixed prioritization of supportive care needs of men with PCa indicate the need for additional individualized and adapted measures.