Perceived Value of Holistic Needs Assessment in Supporting the Needs of Women With Breast Cancer

Briggs, Lydia; Corner, Jessica; Bailey, Christopher; Blake, Holly

Abstract

Background
Holistic Needs Assessments (HNA) were designed to identify and support the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer, yet delivery methods vary significantly.

Objective
The study aimed to explore views of HNAs from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and women with breast cancer, including how the HNA contributed to providing support.

Methods
A qualitative case study approach was adopted, with four hospitals in England. Twenty-four women with cancer and 24 staff were recruited. Data from interviews, observations, and HNA-related documentation were compiled into cases around use of the HNA in each organisation. Principles of Framework Analysis and Normalisation Process Theory enabled identification of conclusions.

Results
The contribution of HNA to women’s experiences of support was complex, and dependent on various influences: i) how the woman’s own views and judgements influenced her perceptions of the assessment, ii) how the views of staff delivering the HNA influenced both their own approach to the assessment, and patient views, and iii) the organisational context and culture.

Conclusion
Apparent superficial implementation of HNAs seemed to facilitate organisational cultures of evidencing the actions of staff and achieving management targets. Women’s views towards
the HNA appeared paradoxical; most women perceived the HNA to be meaningful ‘in principle’ but reported little benefit of the assessment and some reported negative outcomes.

Implications for Practice
HNA implementation in clinical settings requires a greater focus on quality over targets, and healthcare professional training should be centred around delivering HNAs in a meaningful way that prioritises individual patient benefit.

Citation

Briggs, L., Corner, J., Bailey, C., & Blake, H. (2025). Perceived Value of Holistic Needs Assessment in Supporting the Needs of Women With Breast Cancer. Cancer Nursing, 48(1), E39-E46. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000001270

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 25, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jul 14, 2023
• Publication Date: 2025-01
• Deposit Date: May 26, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Journal: Cancer Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0162-220X
• Electronic ISSN: 1538-9804
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 1
• Pages: E39-E46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000001270
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/21111743
• Publisher URL: https://journals.lww.com/cancernursingonline/abstract/2025/01000/perceived_value_of_holistic_needs_assessment_in.15.aspx
• Additional Information: This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Briggs, Lydia PhD, RN; Corner, Jessica FMed Sci, DBE; Blake, Holly PhD, CPsychol, PFHEA. Perceived Value of Holistic Needs Assessment in Supporting the Needs of Women With Breast Cancer. Cancer Nursing 48(1):p E39-E46, 1/2 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001270