A scoping review of consumer needs for cancer information

Abstract

Objective: This study was a scoping review of research on cancer-related health information seeking and needs of patients, survivor, non-patients, and caregivers.

Methods: This study used the COSI model to search for articles published from 2007 to 2017.

Results: In total, 117 articles with titles and abstracts including the following terms were selected: cancer, health, information, seeking. Non-patients obtained information from the Internet, doctors, and media, whereas patients obtained information from doctors, the Internet, and media. Information needs were the highest for treatment, prognosis, and psychosocial support. Patients had the highest need for information on prognosis and treatment, whereas non-patients had the highest need for general cancer information, prevention, and cancer examination. Caregivers sought information about treatment, psychosocial support, and prevention.

Conclusion: This study revealed an increase in the number of research articles identifying cancer patients' information needs. Cancer patients rely on health professionals for information; thus, relevant materials are needed. Furthermore, not only medical but also psychosocial support information is needed.

Practice implications: There is a need for cancer information from health professionals, and thus for patient-centered training materials. Furthermore, a survey system to evaluate consumers' cancer information needs should be developed.

Keywords: Cancer-related information; Needs; Scoping review.