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Quarter of cancer patients struggle with emotional burden of the disease

Data from nearly 4,000 care plans based on the electronic Holistic Needs Assessment tool show the emotional issues cancer patients face include anxiety, tiredness, pain and concerns about eating
Cancer patient

A quarter of cancer patients struggle with the emotional effects of the disease, according to data taken from a new electronic care tool developed by cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support (MCS).

The charity is evaluating the use of the electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA) tool at 67 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, including hospital trusts and GP practices.

The tool allows cancer patients to complete a questionnaire about their experience of the disease prior to appointments with healthcare professionals. It then provides a framework for a structured conversation between the patient and professional about what matters to the patient and leads to a personalised care plan.

An analysis of the tool’s use is being launched today by MCS at the National Cancer Intelligence Network Cancer Outcomes Conference in Belfast.

Data from almost 4,000 care plans based on the eHNA shows 25% of patients struggle with the emotional burden of the disease. It also revealed that worry, fear and anxiety are the most common emotional issues people with cancer face. This is followed by tiredness or exhaustion, sleep problems and nightmares, pain and concerns about eating or appetite.

More than half the patients (54%) who have used the eHNA said it helped them to discuss their concerns with their healthcare team, according to a separate evaluation by Ipsos MORI. More than one in three (36%) felt more confident discussing sensitive issues.

MCS director of services and influencing Juliet Bouverie said: ‘What we can see from the eHNA results is that having structured quality conversations with clinicians, framed by a needs assessment, is beneficial for people with cancer.

‘In addition, giving healthcare professionals a picture of what matters most to their patients can help inform the planning and provision of their care.’

The charity wants to see the holistic needs assessment, either in paper or electronic form, rolled out across the UK.