Needs satisfaction for cancer patients in an ambulatory chemotherapy service (ACS). An exploratory study

Abstract

18607 Background: ACS are currently the main way for the delivery of Chemotherapy to cancer patients. Aproximately half of them require intravenous chemotherapy and many need two or three separate lines of treatment during their clinical career. How these treatments are delivered will affect their health and quality of life. Appraisal of needs along chemotherapy process enable to identify problems related to health satisfaction status and quality of health care provided. Methods: We have evaluated the perceived needs of patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy through an “ad hoc” questionnaire of 49 items exploring the following areas: treatment related symptoms, information and communication/interpersonal interaction, psychological, social and spiritual support, economical needs and management of health service. Results: 141 consecutive patients attending the ACS one year after its set up were evaluated. Demographics (age, gender and income), diagnosis and types of Chemotherapy (Adjuvant vs. Palliative) were considered for interrelationships. The most frequent tumors were breast and colorectal carcinoma. More than 50% of the patients reported having controlled symptoms (pain, nausea and vomiting, mucositis etc.). Information needs related to their illness and treatment were satisfied to more than half of the sample, but reported a need for more information about diagnostic procedures and prognosis; 48% perceived shortcomings in communication with their clinicians and 50% believed they received little advice about how cancer affects their sexual behaviour. Most patients (53%) reported not to need pshycological support neither for their family (60%) nor themselves, 83% not needing spiritual support and 50% were satisfied with the economical support they received. With respect to the facilities’ structure, 50% perceived enough intimacy in doctor’s offices and Chemotherapy Room and 64% felt comfortable in the waiting room but 72% perceived waiting too long before being attended by doctor’s and nurses. Conclusions: younger patients and breast cancer diagnosis are among the people that express more unsatisfaction related to the accomplishment of their needs (p < 0.05). No significant financial relationships to disclose.