Perceptions of cancer survivors and healthcare professionals on adequate supportive care after treatment of cancer: An in-depth qualitative study

Objective
Following treatment, cancer survivors often struggle to resume their life in several life domains. Although supportive care is increasingly available and can assist survivors in improving their quality of life, it often falls short in meeting the needs of the diverse and growing group of cancer survivors. Understanding the perceptions of key stakeholders is crucial for improving supportive care. This study aims to explore the perceptions of cancer survivors and healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the provision of adequate supportive care after treatment.

Methods
We conducted 22 interviews with cancer survivors, varying in (time since) diagnosis, sex and age. Additionally, four focus groups were conducted with 25 HCPs, including medical specialists, general practitioners, psychologists, occupational physicians and informal caregivers. Interviews and focus groups were conducted using pre-defined topic guides, were audio-taped, and transcribed verbatim. A thematic content analysis was performed, consisting of several coding phases.

Results
Cancer survivors emphasized the importance of a person-centered approach, with supportive care tailored to individual values and needs. They valued accessible supportive care extending beyond medical needs, including work-related support and peer support. HCPs similarly stressed the importance of person-centered supportive care, and promoting cancer survivors’ empowerment. They also highlighted limited awareness of supportive care options among HCPs, the need for clear role division, multidisciplinary collaboration, integration into clinical care, and an overview of supportive care referral options.

Conclusion
While both cancer survivors and HCPs emphasized the importance of comprehensive, person-centered supportive care, its implementation in clinical practice remains challenging. Key requirements, such as greater awareness of the importance of supportive care among HCPs, knowledge of reliable referral options, and interdisciplinary collaboration, are often unmet. Efforts should focus on improving HCPs’ awareness and integrating supportive care into clinical practice. The findings of this study informed the development of the online tool ‘Back on Track with Cancer’. This tool supports the identification of supportive care needs, provides personalized supportive care options, and facilitates shared decision making with HCPs.