Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) can have debilitating effects on cancer survivors. Despite this, patients often report a lack of information from their treating team to assist with understanding and management of cognitive changes. This study aimed to qualitatively explore cancer clinicians’ understanding of and clinical practice related to CRCI including acceptability of a Cancer Council Australia Fact Sheet – Understanding changes in memory and thinking.
Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 cancer clinicians; medical oncologists (n=7), cancer nurses (n=12) and clinical psychologists (n=7). Framework analysis was conducted to identify key themes. A quantitative survey was also conducted to assess pre-interview CRCI knowledge.
Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) CRCI - real or over-rated? (2) Does knowledge drive patient communication? (3) Fact Sheet Acceptability; (4) Barriers to Fact Sheet uptake into routine clinical care. Based on the survey, although recognition of CRCI causation and symptom management was high, very few clinicians utilised more than one strategy. Overall the fact sheet was perceived as useful for patients and the content comprehensive. However, a need for further CRCI education for clinicians was highlighted as necessary prior to wider implementation of the fact sheet.
Conclusion: This study’s in-depth multi-disciplinary exploration of Australian cancer clinicians’ perceptions of CRCI highlighted that clinicians’ attitudes drive CRCI discussions with patients. Although the Cancer Council Fact Sheet was viewed as an important patient resource, further education to support clinicians in providing management strategies to patients is required for successful integration into routine care.