[Outpatient psychosocial counseling--results of a user-based cross-sectional study about patient reported needs and...

This article presents results of a user-based cross-sectional study about patient reported needs and its consideration in the course of outpatient psychosocial counseling. In addition, patient satisfaction with consultations was evaluated.

A sample of 1 930 cancer patients or family caregivers who consulted one of 26 psychosocial counseling units funded by German Cancer Aid completed a questionnaire sent by mail.

Younger and female patients/care-givers, and those with ovarian, pancreatic and cns tumours were more likely to seek counseling. Overall, patient reported needs were met to a high degree. The majority of the participants was very satisfied with different aspects of counseling. However, 16% of participants reported unmet needs and had suggestions for improvements primarily with regard to the counselor (4% of the participants) and time management (2% of the participants). In addition, 10% of the participants suggested optimizing the counseling location and setting as well as the accessibility, time scheduling and the work approach of the staff (1-5%).

Our findings represent a part of the core evaluation of psychosocial counseling for cancer patients. Overall, it can be highlighted that cancer patients are very satisfied with outpatient psychosocial counseling offers. However, few critical aspects could be identified from the clients' perspective. Our results are discussed in the context of methodological aspects of the study.