Informational needs of recently diagnosed cancer patients

A theoretical framework that could specify the theoretical underpinnings of the informational needs concept is presented, derived from the theoretical and clinical literature, and it is examined in relation to previous research findings pertinent to informational needs of recently diagnosed cancer patients.

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical framework that could specify the theoretical underpinnings of the informational needs concept. This framwork is derived from the theoretical and clinical literature, and it is examined in relation to previous research findings pertinent to informational needs of recently diagnosed cancer patients. The framwork identifies the nature, relevance, and scope of informational needs, as well as the person- and situation-related variables that may affect them. It is presented as a necessary background to the development of the method of measurement of informational needs and to the findings pertaining to the description of informational needs that will be presented in Part II of the paper.