Supportive care in pancreatic and oesophagogastric cancers-a qualitative investigation.

Abstract

Introduction Pancreatic and oesophagogastric (OG) cancers have a dismal prognosis and high symptom burden, with supportive care forming an integral component of cancermanagement. This study aimed to explore the supportive care experiences of people living with pancreatic and OG cancers and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with pancreatic and OG cancers, and their caregivers, across Victoria, Australia during 2020. Results Thirty patients and 11 caregivers were interviewed. Themes included: (i) supportive care needs, (ii) management of supportive care needs, (iii) quality of supportive care, (iv) impact of COVID-19 (v) role of the caregiver, and (vi) opportunities for improvement. Predominant supportive care needs included diet-related issues, weight loss, pain and difficulties with activities of daily living, with support provided to varying levels of satisfaction. Many patients did not access supportive care due to COVID-19. Caregivers played a critical role in supporting patients and desired support for themselves. Greater awareness of and access to available services, availability of a cancer care coordinator and higher quality support were perceived as opportunities for improvement. Conclusions Unmet needs are prevalent across the pancreatic and OG cancer journey, with supportive care provided to varying levels of satisfaction. Policy-makers and health services should promote and enable access to high-quality multidisciplinary support services for patients and their caregivers.