Experiences of healthcare professionals with support for mesothelioma patients and their relatives: Identified gaps and improvements for care

Objective To assess perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders regarding psychosocial support and palliative care in mesothelioma patients and their relatives, to identify gaps and to explore potential improvements in current healthcare. Methods Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti. Results In total, 16 respondents participated in an interview (69% women; mean age: 51.8 years (SD 12.41; range 28-75)). Four key themes were identified: (1) availability of tailored psychosocial and palliative care, (2) timely integration and organisation of psychosocial support and palliative care, (3) differences in provided support and care between healthcare professionals and hospitals and (4) training of healthcare professionals and stakeholders on psychosocial problems. Conclusion Our study showed that psychosocial support and palliative care for patients with mesothelioma could be improved. A more fluent transition between primary and secondary cancer care and early integration of psychosocial support and palliative care is advised. Lastly, more attention is needed for psychosocial and palliative care in the basic medical training of healthcare professionals.