Understanding the demand and unmet need of providing psychological cancer care in the community

Background: Cancer policy has long called for improved access to psychological care for people with cancer and their carers. Purpose: This mixed-methods evaluation aims to explore some of the views of primary and community healthcare professionals in London on their provision of psychological care for people with cancer and their carers. It explores their opinions of what they are currently doing, and what they would like to do more of. Method: An exploratory sequential design was used in surveying and interviewing primary and community care staff in London about their cancer care work. Interviews were analysed from a phenomenological perspective. Results: 92 questionnaire responses were received (RR=31%), and 7 interviews were conducted. Respondents wanted to offer more psychological care, including peer support groups. Further training in this area was identified as necessary. Care for family and carers was reportedly lacking; this group had perceived unmet needs. GPs’, District and Community Nurses’ provision of bereavement care was reported to be reactive, variable across London and without clear structure or protocol. Conclusions: Respondents identified that psychological care for people with cancer and their carers isn’t meeting demand and requires better resourcing. Psychological care was suggested to be a driver of secondary workload.

This is the accepted version of the published article.