Cancer patients' needs for support in expressing instrumental concerns and emotions.

Introduction: The aim of our study was to provide an overview of intervention guidelines on how to address patients' practical needs for support in expressing instrumental concerns and emotions regarding medical, psychosocial and practical topics.

Methods: Six focus groups of cancer patients and survivors (N = 39) were organised. An interview guide was created that consisted of three topics: (a) concerns, (b) needs for support, and (c) a Concern Prompt List.

Understanding the interplay of cancer patients' instrumental concerns and emotions.

Objective: 1) to assess patients' descriptions of concerns, and 2) to inform a conceptual framework in which the impact of the nature of concerns on doctor-patient communication is specified.

Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with 39 cancer patients and survivors. In these focus groups participants were asked to describe their concerns during and after their illness.