Objective: We aimed to: (1) summarize the quantitative evidence on the information needs of relatives of childhood cancer patients, survivors, and children deceased from cancer; and (2) identify factors associated with these needs.
Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL were systematically searched. The methodological quality of all included publications was assessed, and the extracted data were analyzed using narrative synthesis.
Results: Of 5810 identified articles, 45 were included. Information needs were classified as unmet, met (satisfied), and unspecified and categorized into five domains: medical information, cancer-related consequences, lifestyle, family, and support. Most unmet information needs concerned cancer-related consequences (e.g., late effects), while information needs on support were generally met. Migrant background and higher education were associated with higher information needs among parents. Siblings had lower information needs than parents.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the information needs of relatives in the context of childhood cancer, showing that information on cancer-related consequences is needed most often. The socioeconomic background of the relatives needs continued consideration throughout the cancer trajectory.
Practice implications: Our findings suggest the need for personalized information. Healthcare professionals should adapt their communication strategies to respond to the different and evolving needs of all affected relatives.
Keywords: Childhood cancer; Communication; Friends; Information needs; Quantitative; Relatives.
Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.