Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume 20, Issue 12, 2012, Pages 3221-3229

Identifying the informational and psychosocial needs of Chinese immigrant cancer patients: A focus group study (Article)

Leng J.* , Lee T. , Sarpel U. , Lau J. , Li Y. , Cheng C. , Chang M.-D. , Gany F.
  • a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States, Department of Medicine, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States
  • b Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States
  • c Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
  • d American Cancer Society Asian Initiatives, New York, NY, United States
  • e Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States
  • f Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States
  • g American Cancer Society Asian Initiatives, New York, NY, United States
  • h Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States, Department of Medicine, Center for Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 300 E. 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, United States

Abstract

Purpose The Chinese immigrant community faces multiple barriers to quality cancer care and cancer survivorship. Psychosocial interventions can positively impact quality of life, anxiety, and distress in cancer patients. In this study, we explored the informational and psychosocial needs of Chinese cancer patients to inform the development of culturally targeted support and survivorship interventions. Methods We conducted four focus groups with a total of 28 Chinese cancer patients to elucidate their cancer informational and psychosocial needs. The groups were conducted using standard methodology and guided by communitybased participatory research principles. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The research team conducted the analysis. Results Frequently occurring themes included (1) the need for accurate information on cancer and treatment options, (2) the role of language barriers in accessing cancer care, (3) the role of food in cancer and the need for nutritional information, and (4) the role of Chinese medicine in cancer treatment. Participants expressed significant dissatisfaction with the amount, reliability, and/or comprehensibility of available information. Conclusions Support groups and programs should be developed to address participants' needs for more information on cancer and its treatment. Programs should educate and empower patients on how to find further Chinese language information and resources and effectively communicate their questions and needs to providers in an interpreted encounter. System-level approaches should be implemented to ensure provision of interpretation services. Additionally, programs should incorporate the unique cultural needs of this population related to food/nutrition and Chinese medicine. © Springer-Verlag 2012.

Author Keywords

Cancer support Chinese immigrants Survivorship focus groups

Index Keywords

Needs Assessment China Communication Barriers immigrant Chinese cancer patient Neoplasms human middle aged priority journal Aged Food communication skill psychosocial care Patient Education as Topic cultural sensitivity United States Humans Asian Americans male Medicine, Chinese Traditional female Aged, 80 and over Emigrants and Immigrants Chinese medicine caregiver burden clinical article patient satisfaction medical information cancer therapy Article support group spiritual care nutrition adult health care access New York City health care need participatory research psychosocial need informational need Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84868482992&doi=10.1007%2fs00520-012-1464-1&partnerID=40&md5=2a7f29c1eb4912a14d4d36078471426e
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-012-1464-1
ISSN: 09414355
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English