Information Needs in Patients Diagnosed With Haematological Malignancies: An Integrative Systematic Review

Cancer patients who receive the information that they need may experience better quality of life and emotional wellbeing, and be more equipped to engage in shared decision-making. Our review explores the information needs of haematological malignancy patients specifically, and their experience of the information process.

Integrative review with data extraction and narrative synthesis (PROSPERO#: CRD42024543507). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, COCHRANE, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO for articles published before 21 May 2024. Two reviewers extracted the data; a third resolved disagreements. Quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Our search yielded 920 articles; 60 met the inclusion criteria. We identified three categories: Type of Information: Medical and Psychosocial Information Needs; Patient Information Experience; and Information Needs of Specific Populations. Information needs varied across patient groups and along the cancer pathway. The most common information needs were related to treatment (options and side effects) and disease (evolution and prognosis). Patients who receive clear, tailored information from healthcare professionals may be better able to engage in treatment decision-making. Information preferences varied, as did patient satisfaction and the emotional impact of the information they received.

Haematological malignancies are heterogeneous diseases, which further complicates the provision of information to patients. The information patients receive must be tailored to their specific disease and stage. Patient satisfaction with the information they receive varies, suggesting that the method and manner of communication is just as important as the content of the information itself.