OBJECTIVE Although many cancer patients experience psychological distress, not all affected patients utilise psycho-oncological care. We aim to examine the role of generalised resistance resources (GRRs) and sense of coherence… Click to show full abstract
OBJECTIVE Although many cancer patients experience psychological distress, not all affected patients utilise psycho-oncological care. We aim to examine the role of generalised resistance resources (GRRs) and sense of coherence (SOC) in predicting cancer patient needs for psycho-oncological care and its utilisation. A salutogenic prediction model was conceptualised and statistically tested. METHODS Survey data (response rate 88.94%) from 2270 breast cancer patients one year after treatment in one of 88 certified hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, were analysed. Structural Equation Modelling analysis was performed. RESULTS 21.6% of patients (n = 485; N = 2249) felt they currently needed psycho-oncological care, of which 61.6% currently utilised it (n = 299, N = 485). 42.2% (n = 953, N = 2259) had the need for psycho-oncological care in the previous 12 months, of which 58.0% (n = 553, N = 953) utilised it. Several GRRs directly predict the need for psycho-oncological care and SOC, as well as indirectly predict the utilisation of psycho-oncological care. Past utilisation significantly affects current need and utilisation. The model shows good model fit. CONCLUSIONS Generalised resistance resources and SOC affect the utilisation of psycho-oncological care. Therefore, measuring key GRRs and SOC during cancer treatment should be integrated into patient care as a salutogenic approach, to identify resources and vulnerabilities on an individual level.
               
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