Are holistic needs assessments (HNA) being consistently implemented in adult cancer clinical practice?

Mann, Mala, Hamilton, Timothy and Byrne, Anthony 2024. Are holistic needs assessments (HNA) being consistently implemented in adult cancer clinical practice? Presented at: The Marie Curie Research Conference 2024, Online, 5-9 February 2024. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. , vol.14 (A26) BMJ Publishing Group, 10.1136/spcare-2024-MCR.60

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Abstract

Introduction In the United Kingdom, over 12,000 adults a year are diagnosed with a brain tumour, accounting for 3% of all new cancer cases. The needs of patients with brain tumours are unique and complex. At present, patients with brain tumours have inconsistent assessment of their supportive care needs across care settings in Wales and the wider UK. Studies conducted in any adult cancer population which assess clinical implementation of a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) may provide evidence applicable to the brain tumour population. Aims To identify any HNAs of relevance to the care of those with brain tumours, we sought to examine clinical implementation of HNAs in any adult cancer population. Method Five databases were searched using text words and medical subject headings from 2008 to March 2023. Reference lists of systematic reviews were checked for relevant studies. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction. Results Although numerous HNAs exist, there is very limited research evidence of widespread implementation in clinical practice. Of the 660 studies identified, 113 abstracts were screened, and 5 studies were included in this review, yielding mixed results. Four studies were based in the UK and one in Canada. Only one study reported a brain-tumour-specific HNA tool for use in the neuro-oncology outpatient clinic. Studies consisted of heterogeneous study designs and small sample sizes. Conclusion HNAs are important for good patient experience as the assessment is used to address unmet patients’ needs and identify areas where extra support or signposting to other services is required. The studies reported mixed results on implementation of HNAs in clinical practice identifying important implications for patients with brain tumours. Impact The findings show the necessity for the development of a brain tumour specific HNA to address the specific needs of those with brain tumours at an individual patient and caregiver level.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre (MCPCRC)
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2045-435X
Funders:	Marie Curie Cancer Care core grant
Last Modified:	09 Dec 2024 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/174354

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