Abstract Details

Participants were recruited from Memorial Sloan Kettering’s inpatient and outpatient services through primary provider recommendation and chart review demonstrating social and economic need. In this qualitative study, eligible participants included patients who were 18 years or older and who are currently receiving treatment, or under active surveillance within the following two months. Nine participants were interviewed by the student intern. Initial demographic information, followed by an Essential Needs Assessment, ICCAN-CNS Additional Questions, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Item Scale Score (GAD7), Distress Thermometer (NCCN), FACT-G Questionnaire, and Financial Toxicity (COST FACIT), were used to develop an understanding of the patient’s needs. A Caregiver was able to answer for patients with aphasias or cognitive impairment. 

Interviews revealed that the pilot-cohort of patients with CNS tumors were able to successfully complete the initial needs assessments and additional questionnaires. Trends of delayed responses and need for questions to be repeated were observed, however, patients were still able to express socioeconomic needs. Patient needs included housing insecurity, food scarcity, transportation costs, out-of-pocket expenses, as well as quality of life concerns such as understanding prognosis and managing symptoms.