The benefits and barriers of accessing cancer support services

Maria O'Sullivan

doi:10.33178/SMJ.2021.1.2

Authors

Maria O'Sullivan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33178/SMJ.2021.1.2

Keywords:

cancer support services, accessing care, barriers to accessing care

Abstract

Introduction
Cancer is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Ireland, rising cancer incidence means that the burden on society will continue to increase. Recent recognition of the large impact of psychological distress on patients with cancer has led to suggestions to use support centres to mitigate this distress. Thus, the benefits of participation and barriers to attendance must be explored.

Aims & Objectives
To systematically review scientific literature and determine the: (i) Sociodemographic composition of cancer support centres. (ii) Benefits of support services to patients with cancer. (iii) Barriers/facilitators to support centre attendance.

Methods
Electronic searches were carried out PubMed and the Cumulative Index
to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL) databases using key words addressing the research question. Ten articles were selected and critically appraised.

Results
A summary of article results showed that while various groups remain underrepresented in support centres, new evidence suggests this may be changing. Increased support service attendance was linked to greater benefits. No change in anxiety or depression with attendance were seen. Barriers to attendance were identified.

Conclusions
The literature showed benefits to support services, but long term benefits must be further investigated. Future research quantitatively assessing benefits of support services, using validated assessment instruments are necessary. Psychological benefits of participation are still unclear. Validated questionnaires to assess the barriers to attendance must be developed. Lastly, there is a lack of studies on the benefits of and barriers to support services participation in the Irish population.

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