Enhancing Cancer Care: Patient Navigation Through EORTC Quality-of-Life Insights at Sohag Oncology Center

Enhancing Cancer Care: Patient Navigation Through EORTC Quality-of-Life Insights at Sohag Oncology Center - A Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigates the use of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire to assess supportive care needs among cancer patients and align patient-identified needs with physician-assessed needs. The aim is to enhance care delivery and referral to supportive clinics, including pain management, physiotherapy, nutrition, and psychotherapy. Improved cancer care requires appropriate utilization of supportive clinics, particularly for patients with advanced or terminal disease.

The study evaluated a navigation process for patients requiring supportive care services based on responses to the EORTC Quality of Life questionnaire, conducted as part of the "Evidence-Based Patient Navigation" initiative. The questionnaire assessed multiple domains relevant to supportive care needs. Approval to use the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was obtained from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer before study initiation.

The study process included both the EORTC Quality of Life questionnaire, representing patient-identified needs, and physician-assessed needs across four supportive clinics: pain management, physiotherapy, nutrition, and psychotherapy. Clinic navigation was determined by a threshold score ranging from 0 to 4. Patients requiring specialized support were defined as having a score greater than 2, whereas patients with scores of 2 or lower were classified as not requiring specialized supportive clinic referral. The data collection phase ran from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, followed by data analysis. A consistency analysis was conducted to measure alignment between patient-identified needs and physician-assessed needs.

The study design is based on the growing recognition of the need for tailored supportive care services for cancer patients, particularly patients with advanced or terminal diagnoses. Supportive care services, such as pain management, physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, and psychotherapy, are essential for improving quality of life in this patient population.

The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was chosen as a validated tool to systematically identify patient-specific needs across multiple domains relevant to health and well-being. By integrating patient-reported outcomes with physician-assessed needs, the study addresses a critical gap in aligning healthcare provider interventions with patient-identified supportive care needs. The inclusion of a threshold score to guide navigation ensures objective, evidence-based decisions when directing patients to appropriate supportive services.

The intervention focuses on using a patient navigation system to bridge the gap between identified supportive care needs and utilization of specialized clinics. The rationale for this approach is based on evidence that tailored supportive care interventions can improve quality of life, symptom management, and patient satisfaction in cancer care. By combining patient-reported quality-of-life assessments with physician evaluations, the study ensures that referrals are based on a holistic understanding of patient needs.

The threshold score system provides a structured and standardized method to identify patients requiring specialized care, optimize resource allocation, and ensure timely access to critical supportive services. This structured approach has the potential to enhance care delivery for cancer patients, particularly patients in advanced or terminal stages.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis: Adult patients (≥18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, including terminal cases, requiring supportive care.
2. Cognition: Patients capable of providing informed consent and completing the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.
3. Treatment Status: Patients actively receiving treatment or follow-up care in the participating healthcare facility.
4. Availability: Patients available for the study duration and willing to participate in both the questionnaire assessment and follow-up navigation processes.
5. Language: Patients able to understand and respond to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire in the approved language version.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cognitive Impairment: Patients unable to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire due to severe cognitive impairment or mental health conditions that hinder participation.
2. Incomplete Consent: Patients who decline to provide informed consent or withdraw consent during the study.
3. Non-Cancer Diagnoses: Patients without a confirmed cancer diagnosis or those receiving treatment for non-cancer-related conditions.
4. Palliative Care Exclusivity: Patients already receiving comprehensive palliative care services that address the domains assessed in the study.
5. Inaccessible for Follow-Up: Patients who are not reachable for follow-up during the study duration or have logistical barriers that prevent participation in the navigation process.