A systematic review of the implementation of cancer-specific holistic needs assessment (HNA) in adult clinical practice, and applicability to the brain tumour population

Purpose: This review aimed to identify and review any brain tumour-specific holistic needs assessment (HNA) and the clinical implementation of any HNAs in an adult cancer population.

Methods: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Five electronic databases were searched from 2008 to 2023 and updated in January 2025. Reference lists of systematic reviews were screened for relevant studies. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction.

Results: Four HNA tools implemented in clinical practice, across 9 studies, were included. One study was adapted for brain tumour patients. Evidence of widespread implementation in clinical practice was limited and varied evidence, relating to the timing, location and mode of delivering. Patients were more likely to report on physical rather than psychosocial needs, with limited evidence of patient and staff satisfaction with the use of HNA.

Conclusion: There is limited and varied evidence of HNAs being successfully implemented in brain tumour and the wider cancer healthcare settings. Tailored interventions for the needs of people with brain tumour have the potential to address the complexities this population faces. However, clear evidence-based guidance to develop relevant HNAs for successful implementation in clinical settings is needed.