Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background Optimal information provision is pivotal for patients with endometrial cancer, fostering informed decision-making, treatment adherence, enhanced health-related quality of life, reduced distress, and heightened satisfaction with care. Notably, the most commonly reported unmet need among cancer patients is information provision, suggesting potential disparities in perceptions between healthcare providers and patients, or ineffective communication strategies. This systematic review aims to evaluate current data on information needs in endometrial cancer patients.
Methodology This study systematically reviewed 553 manuscripts spanning 2003–2023, focusing on endometrial cancer patient information needs. Utilizing Medline and keywords such as "endometrial cancer," "patient," "information," "needs," "communication," and "information provision," seven research reports underwent comprehensive full-text analysis, revealing thematic fields through qualitative assessment.
Results The synthesis from 2012–2020 underscores endometrial cancer survivors' dissatisfaction with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up information. Gaps include inadequate understanding of disease causes, side effects, and support services. Influencing factors comprise age, diagnosis recency, radiotherapy, comorbidities, partner presence, written information, and educational level. Four manuscripts highlight positive responses to nurse-led telephone follow-ups, supporting self-management and well-being. In survivorship, interventions for managing late-treatment effects and post-treatment behaviour change emphasize the imperative need for enhanced information provision to bolster coping abilities.
Conclusion Limited understanding exists regarding information provisions in endometrial cancer and diverse approaches to patient information provision. The high acceptability of distance-based and patient-initiated follow-up suggests a need for further exploration in tailoring information to endometrial cancer survivors. This exploration aims to identify the most appropriate methods for patient-facing communication in both the management and survivorship settings.
Disclosures N/A.