Disparities in Mental Health Screening and Support

ALTHEA - tAckLing menTal Health Cancer Patients and Their Families: Digital Solutions for bEtter cAre Work Package 3: Disparities in Mental Health Screening and Support

To develop and administer online surveys to cancer patients and their families across diverse regions within the EU to detect possible disparities in their access to mental health screening and psychological-cognitive support

In order to detect possible disparities in the access to mental health screening and psychological-cognitive support, cancer patients and survivors will be involved. A minimum of 1000 patients will be surveyed to gather insights on their experiences with mental health screening, the support they received, and perceived barriers and facilitators in accessing mental health services. Similarly, caregivers and/or family members of cancer patients will be invited to participate in this study. At least 1000 family members and caregivers who support cancer patients will also be surveyed to understand their mental health needs and the challenges they encounter in seeking support for themselves and for patients. For these surveys, individuals at all cancer stages who have been diagnosed with cancer, are currently undergoing treatment or have survived cancer will be invited to participate. Participants must reside in the EU, have Internet access and can use a technological device for survey participation.

Considering the pediatric population, the following inclusion criteria will be adopted:

• Pediatric cancer patients 12-17 years, responding on behalf of themselves;
• caregivers of pediatric cancer patients (0-11 y), responding on behalf of their child and themselves;
• caregivers of pediatric cancer patients (12+ y), responding only on behalf of themselves.

Regarding caregivers and family members, the investigators will include individuals that are aged 18 or older who currently provide, or have provided, care, psychosocial and physical support for a cancer patient in the EU. As with patients, caregivers and family members should also have access to the internet and at least one technological device.

Inclusion Criteria for patients:

• residence in EU
• internet access
• access to a technological device for survey participation
• individuals at all cancer stages who have been diagnosed with cancer, are currently undergoing treatment or have survived cancer
• ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Inclusion Criteria for family members and caregivers:

• residence in EU
• internet access
• access to a technological device for survey participation
• individuals that are aged 18 or older who currently provide, or have provided, care, psychosocial and physical support for a cancer patient in the EU
• ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

• NA