Investigation in health education needs of tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time at different time periods

Abstract

Objective The aim was to investigate and analyze health education needs of tumor patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time at different time periods (which including admission,during chemotherapy,prior to discharge and after discharge),in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical health education and to improve the level of health education and quality of care.Methods A total of 183 tumor patients undergoing a first round of chemotherapy were selected from 4 first-class ternary hospitals by using convenient samphng method,and were investigated with questionnaire about health education needs.Results A total of 190 questionnaires were distributed and 183 valid questionnaires were returned,resulting in a response rate of 96％.Top three methods of health education for tumor patients undergoing a first round of chemotherapy in descending order are:Q&A (score:3.43 ± 0.54),individual instructions (score:3.32 ± 0.70),regular disease seminars (score:3.18 ±0.65).On admission,tumor patients were more concerned about the effects (score:3.65 ± 0.48) and methods of treatment (score:3.52 ± 0.52),medical progress of diseases (score:3.42 ±0.66),as well as special inspection (score:3.42 ±0.61),and were less concerned about the hospital environment and rules and regulations (score:2.72 ±0.61).During chemotherapy,they were more concerned about characteristics of chemotherapy drugs (score:3.75 ± 0.43),such as name,dosages,action mechanism and effect,etc.,their potential toxicity (score:3.67 ± 0.58),and ways to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy (score:3.60 ± 0.57).Before discharge,they were more concerned about current treatments on themselves and treatment effects (score:3.59 ± 0.49),and were less concerned about the guidance information on sex and reproductive health.After discharge,tumor patients were more likely to choose telephone consultation to receive their further health education with the score of (3.58 ± 0.49),followed by consultation in out patient department and intemet consultation which on the rise,and were least likely to choose community health and correspondence consultation.Conclusions Tumor sufferers undergoing chemotherapy for the first time should be provided targeted,systematic and personalized health education according to their characteristics and different health education needs at different time periods. Key words: Tumor; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Health education; Needs analysis