The Unmet Needs of Pancreatic Cancer Carers Are Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Patients and Carers

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This is the first population-based study to quantitatively assess the supportive care needs of pancreatic cancer patients’ carers and their associations with psychological outcomes for patient–carer dyads. We show that for this patient group, carers have exceptionally high levels of unmet needs, particularly in the healthcare and information domains, and some of these needs are strongly associated with anxiety and depression among carers and the patients they care for. The results of this study provide a strong rationale for the implementation of optimal care guidelines to promote early referrals to palliative care for pancreatic cancer patients in which the routine assessment and management of supportive care needs among family carers (and patients) occurs. ABSTRACT: Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, and patients experience debilitating symptoms. Family carers provide essential daily care. This study determined the prevalence of and risk factors for unmet supportive care needs among carers for pancreatic cancer patients and examined which carer needs were associated with anxiety and depression in carers and patients. Eighty-four pancreatic cancer patients and their carers were recruited. The carers completed a needs survey (SCNS-P&C). Both carers and patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Log binomial regression was used to identify associations between carer needs and anxiety and depression among carers and patients. The top 10 moderate-to-high unmet needs reported by ≥28% of carers were related to healthcare (e.g., discussing concerns with doctors) and information need domains (e.g., information about a patient’s physical needs), plus one other item related to hospital parking. Being male or caring for a patient within 4 months of their diagnosis were associated with greater unmet needs. Some unmet needs, including ‘accessing information about treatments’ and ‘being involved in patient care’, were associated with both carers and patients having anxiety and depression. Carers should be involved in health care consultations and provided with information and opportunities to discuss concerns.