Evidence-based practice inquiry

APA reference of article

Roou, B., Park, E., Perez, G., Rabin, J., Quain, K., Dizon, D., Post, K., Chinn, G., McDonough, .Jimenz, R., van de Poll-Franse, L. & Ppercron, J. (2018). Cluster analysis demonstrates the need to individualize care for cancer survivors. The Oncologist:Health Outcomes and Economics of Cancer Care, 23, 1474-1481. www.TheOncologist.com

Purpose of article

Researchers sought to identify and characterize subgroups based on client cancer survivors self-report and assessing of sociodemographics

Sample size

(N= total sample size

n= portion of sample size)

N= 292

(n= 123.42%) had low unmet needs (n=46, 16%) physical unmet needs

(n=57, 20%) psychological unmet needs

(n=66, 23%) - both psychological and physical unmet needs

Two groups of clusters had p values of <0..05 for psychological and fatigue. These low p values are significant because this means the effect is likely real and not a result of other variables

Research design

(explain the definition of the research design) and

level of evidence

(Melnyk Figure 4.2, page 116)

Cross sectional assessment survey - this give type of study design give a snapshot at one particular time and measures the participants at one specific time - when they questionnaire/survey is completed

This would be categorized under non-experimental study - we are not changing variables we are gathering data at a particular time or event

Variables (independent and dependent variables)

measurement

Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, race, marital status, employment, internet access, educational level, and income.

Clinical variables include cancer type, years since diagnosis, treatment, and comorbidities

Results, findings

(identify percentages or p values< 0.05)

Two groups of clusters had p values of <0..05 for psychological and fatigue. These low p values are significant because this means the effect is likely real and not a result of other variables

Implications for Practice

Cancer survivorship has unmet needs throughout the lifespan. Health care must not diminish he need for frequent screening for survivorship care

Younger the client the more unmet needs or need to meet needs to adjust to the cancer survivorship

Limitations of research (what is not included in the findings or research method)

Research was at one institution, there is little generalizability (will have the same result) if the income level is changed.

Clients with higher comorbidities are likely being seen by a number of providers and have needs addressed

Questionnaire was in multi-language however culture can prevent a client from stating their needs at a particular time

This is a snapshot at one point in time at a cancer center

Comments

There are unmet needs that need screening every time at every provider appointment, including primary care, who likely get s the majority of clients in cancer survivorship