Supportive care needs of Canadian melanoma patients and survivors

Samuel Hetz, Jennifer R. Tomasone

Abstract


The purpose of this study was to determine the supportive care needs of melanoma patients and survivors in Canada. Thirty-one melanoma patients and survivors completed the Supportive Needs Questionnaire—Melanoma Supplementary Module in addition to questions pertaining to information delivery and screening behaviour. Results demonstrated that the majority of patients in the study are having their needs met (61.1% of total participant responses). Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of individuals have unmet needs. Of the examined needs, educational and increased informational resource needs were among the greatest reported, particularly among individuals with less education (high school diploma or less). Although overall it appears the majority of needs are being met, more can be done to improve the care of melanoma patients in Canada.

Key words: melanoma, needs assessment, education


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