Structured Collection of Data on Support Offers for Lung Cancer and Stroke Patients in Berlin

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate available offers of support for stroke and lung cancer patients and their caregivers in the Berlin region besides direct medical or therapeutic care and to identify barriers in the use of available support from the perspective of care experts. Methods A structured search of different sources, including an internet search, print information as well as interviews with experts and a group discussion, was conducted on support services available to lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers in Berlin for managing their altered health and life situation. Target groups of identified offers were verified and further information was gathered by a questionnaire. Further, barriers for utilization of support services were analyzed from conduct-ed interviews and the group discussion with health care experts. Results A total of 150 support services were identified for lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers in Berlin. There were many different forms of such offers, including, but not limited to, providing information and counseling, help-ing with the organization and coordination of the new life situa-tion as well as giving psychosocial support. Missing information or information that was not adjusted to the patients' education level about care entitlements, lack of knowledge about as well as spatial distance to facilities were stated as barriers for utilization. Conclusions A variety of support services is available in Berlin for lung cancer and stroke patients and their caregivers regarding different needs that might arise from their altered health and living situation. Providing information on existing offers more broadly to the target group and improving local availability may optimize utilization of such services by pa-tients.