Exploring the needs of partners and caregivers towards family members diagnosed with cancer in Malta

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the unmet needs of informal caregivers (ICs), such as family or friends, of patients who are undergoing or underwent Radiotherapy. Methodology: A cross-sectional, non-experimental, prospective, and quantitative approach was applied. An online questionnaire was distributed through NGOs via social media and attached posters to ICs of radiotherapy patients. The participants were invited to anonymously fill in the online survey via Google Forms. The tool consisted of two sections i) demographics sections, ii) 5-point scale questions evaluating the ICs needs (1- Not applicable; 5- High need) based on the Supportive Care Needs Survey—Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C) tool (Girgis, 2011). Results: The level of unmet needs in ICs in Malta was high with the top needs affecting 81%- 92% of the participants. The ICs’ most unmet needs were mainly concerned with the psychological and emotional domain and the work and social domain. The level of unmet needs was significantly correlated to the age of ICs, the Radiotherapy anatomical site, the relationship between IC and patient, the cancer stage, and the treatment phase. Other sociodemographic and clinical variables (gender, health and financial status, level of education, and employment status) were not found to be statistically related to unmet needs. Conclusion: A substantial number of participants have unmet needs compared with other countries. These needs are mostly concerning the degree of the disease, its effects on the patient, and the impact the condition has made on their work and social life. Some significant predictors were established, however, further research to better understand these factors is essential. Establishing comprehensive support programs, enhancing community and social support networks, implementing work-life balance initiatives, improving information accessibility, and conducting further research with larger, more diverse samples to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness of interventions.