Correlation between Supportive Care Needs and Symptom Distress in Postoperative Patients with Spinal Tumors

Objective: To investigate the current status of supportive care needs in postoperative patients with spinal tumors and explore their correlation with symptom distress, thereby providing a theoretical basis for developing targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 131 patients hospitalized after spinal tumor surgery between January 2024 and November 2024. Data were collected using a General Information Questionnaire for Spinal Tumor Patients, the Short-Form Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34), and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Spine Tumors (MDASI-SP). Results: Postoperative spinal tumor patients reported significant unmet supportive care needs (Total SCNS-SF34 score: 87 [IQR 64-113]). The highest intensity of unmet needs was observed in the Physical and Daily Living domain (mean score 2.89 ± 0.98), while the Health System and Information domain had the highest unmet rate (83.1%). Patients universally experienced multiple symptom burdens: 93.89% reported pain (median severity: 3 points), 78.63% had motor dysfunction (arm/leg weakness), and the overall prevalence of symptom distress was 84.4%. Spearman correlation analysis further revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.554) between overall symptom severity and total supportive care needs. This correlation was strongest with Physical and Daily Living needs (r = 0.592) and Psychological needs (r = 0.580). Conclusion: The findings indicate that postoperative spinal tumor patients have significant unmet supportive care needs, particularly in the Physical and Daily Living domain and the Health System and Information domain. They also experience a high burden of multiple symptoms. A moderate positive correlation exists between symptom severity and overall supportive care needs, with the strongest associations observed for Physical and Psychological needs. Therefore, healthcare professionals should prioritize assessing and addressing supportive care needs in these patients, especially those with high symptom severity, by implementing targeted nursing interventions to improve postoperative recovery experiences and quality of life.