The information and communication needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer: A rapid review

Objectives: This review aimed to collate evidence on the key information and communication needs of patients with advanced incurable cancer and their caregivers. It also sought to identify barriers and facilitators to communicating, understanding and receiving information, with the view of influencing improvements to future practice.

Methods: This study used a rapid review methodology. Databases were searched on the Ovid platform to identify relevant qualitative data. Methodological quality was assessed, and data extraction was completed. A thematic synthesis approach was used for data analysis.

Results: Findings from 42 articles highlighted that key information should be communicated in accordance with individual needs, including tailoring when and how information is provided. It also highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide adequate time, openness, and sensitivity to facilitate understanding of prognosis, treatment and care options. Barriers to receiving, communicating and understanding information relating to healthcare professionals and healthcare systems focus on inadequate time in consultations and a lack of specified point of contact. Patient level barriers included difficulties engaging with and processing challenging information, and inadequate health and death literacy. Facilitators included incremental information provision and early access to palliative care specialists.

Conclusions: Key communication and information needs identified in the review's synthesised findings should be considered when developing communication strategies alongside the barriers and facilitators.

Practice implications: HCPs should provide patients and caregivers with bespoke support to improve their health and death literacy, and a direct point of contact. Health service training could focus on personalised and empathetic information delivery.