1436 Sleeping disorders in advanced cancer patients

Abstract

Sleeping disorders are frequently observed in patients with advanced cancer. There are various causes for them: organo-pharmacological, psychological and social. The cancer pain syndrome is the main cause. The problem of disturbed sleep of patients in pain therapy and palliative care unit involves the nurses on the night shift. There are few studies on night nurses that revealed their experience, isolation, lack of recognition and decreased educational opportunities. Night nursing is challenging as cancer patients verbalize that they often feel worse at night, because of the lack of activities and sense of loneliness. Oncology night nurses revealed their main role consists of providing support to cancer patients who have concerns and troublesome symptoms. Key categories included empathic presence, comfort care, checking behaviour, anticipation of request and information giving. Following a previous study, we are presenting new results of a personal log ofsleeping habits for each of 32 patients in our department. Patients opinion of sleep satisfaction was recorded. Specific data on six months survey were recorded at the end of every nurse's night shift. Data showed: (l) the most frequent cause of sleep disturbance; (2) kind of disturbance and classification: normal. mtermittent, none. Moreover: number of night nurse calls for each patient: more than 3, less than 3, none, and nature of them.