P47: Understanding the Navigation Needs of Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Patients: Insights from Patients, Caregivers, and Providers

Introduction: Cancer site-specific navigation models have been developed to provide specialized support for patient care delivery. Although patients with peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) present navigation needs, a dedicated navigation model for PSM is yet to be established. We conducted surveys targeting patients, caregivers, and providers, aiming to discern the sources of distress among PSM patients.

Methods: A survey was disseminated via online platforms to assess the relative priority of a battery of distress and navigation service categories. Responses from patients/caregivers and providers were tabulated separately. Comparisons based on demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and disease-related variables were assessed.

Results: 72 patients/caregivers, and 48 providers of PSM responded to the surveys. Among patient/caregiver respondents, 59.7% were age 51-70, majority were female (76.7%), white (91.7%), with a college degree (56.7%). Over half of patients traveled more than 100 miles for care (56.1%). Among providers surveyed, most were female (80%) and white (91.1%). The predominant provider roles included physicians (31.9%), nurses (27.7%), and nurse navigators (19.1%). Patients and caregivers claimed emotional distress (86.1%), distress regarding family coping (61.1%), stress related to medical condition (79.2%), and distress related to treatment (77.8%) were most challenging. In contrast, providers disproportionately emphasized transportation (p< 0.0001), financial (p=0.0001), insurance-related (p< 0.0001), work-related (p=0.017), and legal (p=0.04) concerns. When surveyed regarding aspects of difficulty of receiving care and treatment, 52.2% of providers perceived the most challenging aspect of cancer care to be receiving regular follow-up (p=.02), whereas 67.1% of the caregivers/patients stated understanding the cancer diagnosis and treatment plan to be the most challenging aspect (p=< .0001).

Conclusions:

PSM patients and caregivers claim cancer and treatment-related emotional stresses as high-priority concerns. Providers overemphasize logistic and financial concerns. A holistic PSM-specific navigation program should cater to these distinct needs, laying emphasis on the primary sources of distress as identified by the patients and caregivers.