Challenges in assessing spiritual distress in survivors of cancer.

Background: Many efforts have been made to better integrate spiritual assessment into the care of patients with cancer, with varying degrees of success in different parts of the United States. Little work has been done to describe challenges that face those who seek to implement assessment in busy ambulatory settings, particularly in the northeastern section of the United States.

Objectives: This study sought to test the feasibility of a screening process describing spirituality, distress, and spiritual transformation in cancer survivors after chemotherapy for lung or gastrointestinal cancer.

Multidimensional needs of caregivers for patients with cancer.

This pilot study describes the multidimensional (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) needs of caregivers of cancer survivors. A regional comprehensive cancer center and nine community-based rural and urban cancer clinics in New Hampshire assembled a convenience sample. Patients with cancer completed an online survey, the cancer survivor Web-based needs assessment survey (CS-WEBS), to identify needs and desire for intervention.

Patients' need for information about cancer therapy.

Purpose/objectives: To obtain detailed information about the preferences of patients with cancer and their need for information about side effects of cancer treatment to design an interactive multimedia educational program.

Design: Qualitative.

Setting: Regional rural academic medical center.