Abstract
Purpose: To describe the supportive care needs of early-stage Italian melanoma patients and identify the predictors of unmet needs.
Design: Bicenter cross-sectional.
Sample: Two hundred eight (TIS-T3) melanoma patients in follow-up.
Methods: In person self-assessment procedures; the Supportive Care Needs Survey short-form 34, the Distress Thermometer and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used.
Results: Of the patients surveyed, 56% experienced at least one or more moderate-to-high unmet needs. Lack of melanoma-specific information and psychological support aids were the most intense sources of need. Being aged 60–69 years, retired and distressed predicted unmet needs.
Conclusions: This study’s results demonstrate the need to implement supportive care needs screening among Italian early-stage melanoma patients during follow-up and to improve patient information and psychological support.
Implications for psychosocial providers or policy: Providing patients with a point person within the hospital staff who centralizes the demand and refers to appropriate interventions may help the management of unmet needs.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).