Patients' challenges, competencies, and perceived support in dealing with information needs - A qualitative analysis in patients with breast and gynecological cancer

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate challenges, competencies, and support in breast and gynecological cancer patients when dealing with information needs and how health literacy as an interplay of these factors might be improved. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients in acute care (n = 19), undergoing rehabilitation (n = 20) or attending self-help groups (n = 16). Interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Challenges: gain information according to own needs, internet as information source, information evaluation and decisions, doctor-patient communication, situationally limited information processing, difficult access to information. Competencies: self-regulation of information needs, media and social competencies, communication skills in the doctor-patient conversation, internet competencies, self-directed decisions according to own needs, interest/self-efficacy, previous knowledge, trust in the doctor. Support: by professionals (e.g., patient-centered communication), relatives (e.g., support during consultations), peers (e.g., exchange), facilities (e.g., clinics). Conclusions: Our findings provide insight into challenges and competencies relevant to patients' health literacy and the influence of support. The individuality of the interplay highlights the relevance of an active patient role and patient-centered care. Practice implications: Patients' health literacy should be improved in (psycho)oncological work by both reducing challenges (e.g., by communication skills training, involving relatives) and promoting competencies (e.g., by needs- and competence-oriented information offers). (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the challenges, competencies, and support in breast and gynecological cancer patients' information needs, and how health literacy can be improved through the interplay of these factors. The findings reveal the challenges patients face in accessing and processing information, and the competencies they possess in regulating their information needs and making informed decisions. Support from professionals, relatives, peers, and facilities is crucial in enhancing patients' health literacy.