From the Guidelines
To address related unmet needs and dissatisfaction, I recommend implementing a comprehensive approach that identifies and resolves underlying causes of distress and unmet needs through standardized screening tools and evidence-based interventions. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of screening for distress and unmet needs in patients with cancer 1. The study suggests that distress screening should be followed by further clinically appropriate assessment and evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, or pharmacotherapy.
Key Strategies
- Conduct thorough patient feedback analysis to identify patterns of dissatisfaction and unmet needs
- Create a systematic response protocol that addresses both the presenting issue and potential related concerns
- Train healthcare providers to recognize and inquire about potential related needs when addressing complaints
- Develop cross-functional teams that can quickly respond to clusters of related dissatisfaction issues before they escalate
- Provide reassurance and communicate effectively with patients and families to address their concerns and fears 1
Importance of Screening
Screening for distress and unmet needs is crucial in identifying patients who require further assistance and intervention. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2012 1 recommends routine screening and management of distress as an integral part of whole-person cancer care. This approach can help healthcare teams to monitor and respond to the needs of patients, ultimately improving their quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, or pharmacotherapy can be effective in addressing distress and unmet needs in patients with cancer 1. Additionally, resource counseling and symptom management may also be indicated to address "meetable" unmet needs. By providing these interventions, healthcare teams can help patients to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Strategies for Addressing Related Unmet Needs and Dissatisfaction
- Identifying and addressing modifiable factors that contribute to patient dissatisfaction, such as depression or smoking, can improve patient outcomes 2
- Standardizing reasons for patient displeasure, such as adverse events or failure to meet patient expectations, can help clinicians address patient concerns 2
- Using patient-centered assessments, such as the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), can help identify patients who are dissatisfied with their symptom state and inform treatment decisions 3
- Addressing disease-specific factors, such as symptom severity and disease duration, can improve patient satisfaction in patients with chronic conditions like generalized myasthenia gravis 3
- Improving communication and respect between healthcare providers and patients can reduce dissatisfaction and improve patient outcomes 4, 5
- Identifying and addressing implicit expectations for quality hospital care, such as safety, effective communication, and control over physical surroundings, can help reduce patient dissatisfaction 5
Factors Associated with Patient Dissatisfaction
- Patient dissatisfaction is associated with negative psychological function, worse preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures, and unmet expectations 2
- Intentional non-adherence to medication is associated with patient dissatisfaction, including dissatisfaction with treatment and interpersonal relationships with medical staff 4
- Disease severity, fatigue, depression, and lower quality of life are associated with dissatisfaction in patients with chronic conditions like generalized myasthenia gravis 3
- Ineffective communication, disrespect, and lack of environmental control are common domains of dissatisfaction in hospital settings 5