Abstract: Objective: To investigate the current status of postoperative supportive care needs in lung cancer patients, and analyze the attributes of these needs based on the Kano model, so as to provide a basis for optimizing postoperative nursing services and developing personalized intervention plans. Methods: A mixed methods research was employed from January to June 2025. A modified Kano model-based supportive care needs questionnaire for postoperative lung cancer patients was used to survey 200 convenience-sampled patients undergoing lung cancer surgery at a tertiary grade A hospital in Hunan province. Additionally, 15 patients were selected from the survey patients by purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews. Results: Among the 34 supportive care needs, 4(11.76%) were essential attributes, which involved pain management, fatigue alleviation, symptom relief, and family care guidance; 8(23.53%) were expected attributes, mainly focusing on medical information support and timely medical response; 18(52.95%) were attractive attributes, covering personalized rehabilitation plans, psychosocial support, and access to high-quality medical resources; and 4(11.76%) were undifferentiated attributes, primarily related to sexual health support. The findings from interview corroborated the survey results. Conclusion: The postoperative supportive care needs of lung cancer patients present multi-level and multi-dimensional characteristics. The Kano model can effectively identify different types of needs and clarify their priorities, providing a basis for nursing staff to develop precise and stratified care intervention strategies.

Key words: Kano model; lung cancer; surgery; supportive care; mixed methods research