Tailoring chemoradiotherapy treatment information to the evolving, individual needs of adult brain cancer patients throughout the treatment trajectory: A scoping review.

Abstract

Brain tumour patients' needs evolve throughout the chemoradiotherapy pathway, thus requiring individualised information and support. Providing tailored information that is adaptable based on individual needs and preferences, is essential for eradicating the 'one size fits all ethos' and instigates a truly person-centred pathway. A comprehensive search for articles published between 2003 and 2023 across Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, EBSCO CINAHL and Google Scholar using pre-defined inclusion criteria, was conducted to identify studies that reported on the provision of tailored information and support to individual need in adult brain tumour patients. Data extraction tables were created to facilitate a narrative synthesis of the results. Inductive content analysis was used to determine refined codes to tailor the findings and discussion. In total, nine articles met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Five refined codes emerged from the analysis: 1) targeting information, 2) improving patient preparedness by meeting unmet needs, 3) timely information using adaptable methods of delivery, 4) improving relationships between healthcare professional (HCP) and patient and 5) a question of timing across the disease trajectory. Findings indicate that there are many gaps to be further explored. Developing a richer understanding of personalised pathways, improving communication, strengthening HCP training, and adapting information delivery methods are some of the key recommendations highlighted. Overarching systemic challenges need to be addressed before current person-centred care pathways can be improved. To introduce adaptable delivery methods for information, including expansion into telehealth platforms to collect real-time patient insight. To strengthen HCP training to deliver more tailored information at varying timepoints. To advocate for policy change regarding workforce capacity and patient waiting times.