Supportive care needs of patients with rare chronic diseases: multi-method, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: In the absence of a cure for the majority of rare diseases, the disease management aims to provide optimal supportive care. The goal of this study was to assess supportive care needs in patients with chronic rare diseases.

METHODS: Cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted using validated self-report scales and open-ended questions to assess supportive care needs. Participants affected by rare diseases across Germany were contacted via patient organizations and centers for rare diseases. N = 304 participants with 81 different rare diseases completed the study, 81.6% were female, mean age was 44.2 years (SD = 12.8, range 16-74). The quantitative results regarding supportive care needs were compared to a reference population of patients affected by cancer (N = 888). Main outcomes were unmet supportive care needs of patients with rare diseases, as assessed by the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SNCS-SF34) and an open-ended question on support wishes.

RESULTS: Patients with rare diseases did not feel sufficiently supported with regard to psychological support, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality needs. The unmet supportive care needs were significantly higher in the patient sample with rare diseases compared to the SCNS-SF34 reference sample of patients with cancer. 60% of patients with rare diseases did not feel sufficiently socially supported.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by rare diseases have high unmet support needs in all areas studied. Multidisciplinary care, including psychological support and the provision of information regarding the healthcare system, treatment options, disease course and sexuality, might help address these needs.