Views of psycho-oncology health professionals on priority psycho-oncology research questions

Abstract

Purpose: There is a need for periodic review of research priorities in psycho-oncology. The purpose of this research was to conduct a qualitative study designed to canvass the views of health professionals working in psycho-oncology in Australia regarding current priority areas for research in psycho-oncology.

Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. This article reports the results from the first phase, where focus groups were conducted with key researchers and clinicians active in psycho-oncology.

Results: A total of 55 individuals took part in ten focus groups and two interviews. Participants identified 12 priority areas for research. These areas were grouped into four global themes given a significant overlap in the research issues identified. The four global themes are: distress-improving identification, detection, referral and management; specific populations requiring intervention research; the patient journey; and health services research. Key issues identified for each theme are documented along with participant quotes.

Conclusions: This research provides the first steps in identifying research priorities in psycho-oncology and will guide the development of pertinent research studies as well as inform collaborative research studies focusing on clinically relevant interventions. The outcomes of such studies should ultimately guide optimal patient care.