<p>Ontario’s Regional Cancer Programs provide an organized system of adjuvant treatment and follow-up care in its 13 Regional Cancer Centres. For breast cancer patients in particular, these centres become a part of daily activities, as appointments over five years of cancer care result in patients repeatedly accessing these centres at varying frequencies over their treatment periods. The experience of seeking out and receiving care has grown to incorporate cancer care services that exist on a variety of spatial scales, in both formal and informal environments (e.g. support groups, workshops). This study focuses on the role of geography in health behaviors and care experiences of breast cancer patients. Individual interviews were conducted with patients (<em>n=</em>23) attending the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario about their care experiences in their community, and the location and organization of the centre. Rosenstock’s (1966) health belief model and Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory informed the analysis of patient satisfaction and produced attitudes that impact the likelihood of health action. Results demonstrated that patients were generally satisfied with their interactions with health care providers and the design and location of the centre. Parking and perceived disconnect between the centre and community health care providers (e.g. family doctors) were identified as being sources of patient dissatisfaction. Patients made sense of their care experience through ‘routinization’ – fixed times and predictable intervals – of travel and appointment schedules. Satisfaction with accessibility to health care providers when at home (e.g. call-in services) appeared to impact at-home adherence to medication and suggested lifestyle changes. Uptake of community support services depended on patient perceptions of need, suitability and proximity, but went largely unused. Patients’ understanding of their care experiences highlight the need to give greater consideration to geography and the physical care environment in the future planning of breast cancer care services.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

<p><strong>Introduction. </strong>Treatment decisions for locally recurrent prostate cancer are difficult due to the number of available treatment options, varied evidence about their effectiveness and differences in side effects. It has been shown that decision aids improve information delivery and patient confidence in treatment decision-making.</p> <p><strong>Purpose.</strong> The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the decisional support needs of men with locally recurrent prostate cancer.</p> <p><strong>Methods.</strong> A two-phase descriptive needs assessment study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted to identify and describe the treatment decision-making needs of men with recurrent prostate cancer. Through a two-round Delphi process in Phase 1, physician consensus on treatment options for the decision aid was established. Phase 2 involved patient interviews to determine treatment decision-making needs.</p> <p><strong>Results.</strong> Oncologists and patients agreed that the treatment decision-making process took time, and may take several months. Some patients described feelings of regret and/or uncertainty about their treatment decision. Individualized patient needs for information and support were recognized. Key barriers to effective treatment decision-making included information overload and lack of access to unbiased information sources. Establishing a centralized information resource such as nurse-led information sessions was recommended by patients.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions.</strong> Treatment decision-making is time consuming for oncologists and patients. Despite these efforts, patients report unmet information needs and are not always confident in their treatment decision. Time efficient and effective ways of improving patient confidence in treatment decision-making, as well as implications for nursing practice and future research are discussed.</p> / Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

<p><strong>Purpose</strong></p> <p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Canadians. Little is known about the types of supportive care needs (SCNs) that patients with colon cancer experience during the diagnostic phase or whether these needs are met. To inform the development of population specific healthcare services, a needs assessment of patients with newly diagnosed advanced colon cancer was conducted to identify the types, prevalence, severity, and importance of unmet SCNs, as well as to identify any gaps between patient priority needs and their use of supportive care services.</p> <p><strong>Patients and Methods </strong></p> <p>A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Over one year, all newly diagnosed patients with colon cancer at the Juravinski Cancer Centre were screened for eligibility. Sixty-two of 80 eligible patients completed a self-report written questionnaire prior to starting treatment (response rate = 77.5%). The questionnaire included the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal and Health Service Utilization Questionnaire.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong></p> <p>‘Fears about the cancer spreading’ was the most prevalent unmet SCN (n = 52/62 or 84%). Unmet SCNs experienced by 65% or more of participants related to lack of control about treatment outcomes, the uncertain future, and concerns about family member well-being. Patients also rated these needs as being most severe.</p> <p>The two most severe CRC-specific concerns were related to ‘body appearance’ (Mean = 1.77, SD = 1.37) and ‘bowel control’ (Mean = 2.28, SD = 1.37). The most important or priority unmet needs were related to uncertainty about the future (43.5%), fatigue (24.2%), and information (22.6%). Less than 12% of participants had used existing supportive care services in the community.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion </strong></p> <p>Prevalent and priority unmet needs were related to psychosocial support and information. Recommendations for designing colon cancer-specific services are provided along with strategies to improve patient use of existing resources.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> / Master of Science (MSc)