• Joanne Shaw, Phyllis Butow, Ming Sze, Jane Young, and David Goldstein.
• Surgical Outcomes Research Centre, Sydney Local Health District & School of Public Health, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, PO Box M157, Missenden Road, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia. joanne.shaw@sydney.edu.au
• Support Care Cancer. 2013 Aug 1;21(8):2297-301.

PurposeAustralia has one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world. Immigrant cancer patients' poorer outcomes compared to English-speaking patients confirm the need for culturally sensitive supportive care interventions. The aims of this study were (1) to identify cultural sensitivities that are important to the acceptability of a telephone-based supportive care intervention and (2) to identify cultural barriers and facilitators to intervention participation.MethodsPatients and carers attending Chinese or Arabic cancer support groups were recruited. Two focus groups comprising 12 patients and 4 carers, and two telephone interviews were conducted in the participants' own language. A semi-structured interview format was utilised to determine potential cultural sensitivities that may influence the intervention delivery format as well as patients' willingness to participate in telephone-based supportive care interventions. Content analysis confirmed similar themes across groups.ResultsThe intervention was viewed favourably as a means of providing information and support in the patient's language. Cultural considerations included assurances of confidentiality, as cancer is not openly discussed within communities. An initial face-to-face contact was highlighted as the most important factor facilitating participation. Participants also recommended the inclusion of patient-initiated calls as part of the intervention.ConclusionsThis study provides cultural insights relevant to the development of a culturally sensitive telephone-based supportive care intervention for Arabic- and Chinese-speaking cancer patients. Participants highlighted the need for face-to-face contact and inclusion of patient-initiated calls as important methodological considerations.

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