Objective: This study was conducted to determine the supportive care needs of individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Method: The descriptive study included 39 patients who were hospitalized in the 14-bed oncology clinic of a state hospital between May and July 2019 and agreed to participate in the study. The study data were obtained by face to face interview technique using the “Personel Information Form” and "James Supportive Care Screening”.
Results: It was found that 30.7% of the patients were diagnosed with GIS cancers, 51.2% were in the 4th stage of the disease, 12.8% had additional physical or mental disorders as well as cancer. 43.6% of the patients stated that the most distressing conditions for them were "the concern about whether there will be improvement" and "the possibility of recurrence of the disease". The mean score of supportive care needs of the patients was detected as 74. It was determined that the patients with the diagnosis of mental disorder had more social/practical problems and cognitive concerns, the total scale score and healthcare decision-making/communication subscale scores were higher, and the patients with the highest score in the spiritual concerns subscale were those in the 60-80 age group.
Conclusions: The supportive care needs of the patients with oncologic diagnosis are focused on lack of information, physical and emotional needs, and the patients experience distress most about the prognosis of the disease. In addition to the diagnosis of cancer, having mental health problems increases the supportive care needs of the patients. It is important for nurses to be aware of the supportive care needs of the patients diagnosed with cancer and to apply individual-specific and patient-centred care approach in terms of meeting the needs of the patients.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Health Care Administration |
Journal Section | Medical Science Research Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | July 21, 2020 |
Acceptance Date | June 23, 2020 |
Published in Issue | Year 2020Volume: 42 Issue: 2 |