Care needs of cancer patients undergoing ambulatory treatment

Abstract

Cancer causes significant physical, emotional and social changes; as a result, it generates numerous needs in both, patients and families. The necessity for information and support for home care and daily activities has increased in patients with cancer who are facing changes in medical models and must undergoing ambulatory treatments, shorter hospitalization and longer survival period. In this cross sectional study we explored the health-care needs of 173 cancer patients undergoing ambulatory treatment in three specialized oncology units at two hospitals in Bogota, by using the Spanish validated version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SFS28). Nearly half of the patients (46.95%) reported care needs in at least one of the five domains under consideration. Identifying care needs is particularly important in the case of patients with high risk of being unattended because these can affect negatively their compliance with the treatment, health condition and quality of life. A questionnaire like the one used in our survey allows nurses to identify care needs and to focus on appropriate nursing care actions and patient education. Nursing care should take into account the particular needs of all patients in order to teach them and their families how to provide effective self-care, to solve health problems and to satisfy patient needs and demands.