Background
Reading is known to improve wellbeing. A recent project exploring the effects of a novel bibliotherapy intervention on the emotional wellbeing of people undergoing cancer treatment has been previously reported. However, the intervention’s profound effect on the wellbeing of participants with advanced and/or palliative cancer highlighted the need for a new analysis of the data, including a gap analysis, to identify areas of unmet need among palliative cancer patients in Australia, and ways future programs could be tailored to meet those needs.
Methodology
Data from the previous study was separated into two sub-groups: participants with early or indeterminant cancer stage (n=20), and participants with advanced and/or palliative cancer (n=18). The latter sub-group was the focus of this analysis. Qualitative data collected from semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically and triangulated with systematic observations. Additionally, observations and family feedback from sessions conducted near end-of-life (n=2) were analysed separately.
Impact on practice
Thematic analysis generated themes with greater emphasis on care, connection, personalisation, humour and distraction/escapism than were previously found. Our patient-centred approach was universally valued; however, this group particularly valued being transported from their current circumstances by stories chosen especially for them. Although a small sample size, program delivery near end-of-life was associated with patient enjoyment and family comfort.
Discussion – future directions
Bibliotherapy can be beneficial for general supportive cancer care, and these new findings support its inclusion in palliative settings. Additionally, these findings highlight this group’s previously unmet psychosocial needs. Psychosocial services can be hard to access for Australians who do not meet criteria for aged care services or mental health diagnoses. Therefore, these findings will inform provision of non-clinical support. Furthermore, since rural and regional people affected by cancer often experience poorer outcomes, partners are being sought to expand this study into regional palliative care services.