Abstract
The concept of patient advocacy has received international recognition over the last two decades. Although much researches has been done on nurses’ attitudes in general, little has been done focusing particularly on oncology patient advocacy and almost no research was conducted in Saudi Arabian: The current study aimed to assess nurses’ attitudes toward patient advocacy in oncology department University hospital. The study followed a cross-sectional descriptive design and was carried out in the oncology department at university hospital in Jeddah, kingdom of Saudi Arabian. All nurses (n= 46) who were working in the previously mentioned units and willing to participate in study were included. All of them were responsible for providing direct health care to oncology patients. Data gathering tool used was the Attitude toward patient advocacy instrument which was developed by Wu and BU (2008) and adapted to measure nurses ' attitudes toward advocacy of oncology patients. It consists of three components of nurses attitudes 64 items. This study found that the mean percentage scores of the participants' overall attitudes toward oncology patients advocacy was relatively positive 82.06 (SD 5.61). The highest mean scores percentages of participants' attitudes were found on nurses response to acting on behalf of patients dimension 84.80 (SD 5.92), However, participants' attitude to championing social justice dimension of patient advocacy was the least item 79.59 (SD 6.49). Also, the results explains the relationship between nurses' attitudes and socio demographic characteristics. Nurses who were working in oncology wards had positive attitude toward patient advocacy. This study recommended incorporating patient advocacy in their curricula or designed programs. It is necessary to be included in the Saudi nursing student curriculum, and it should be continued for nurses to improve the quality of this role. In addition, encourage non Saudi nurses specifically, those from different cultural backgrounds to express their feelings toward patient advocacy. The study highlights important issues to be considered in hospital settings that recruit healthcare providers of diverse nationalities and support changes needed in the workplace setting to promote advocacy action for the patients’ sake.
Highlights
Cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death globally [1], estimated that around 7.6 million deaths cases (13% of all deaths) occur worldwide and, It is predicted to be on the rise for the few decades [2]
The highest mean scores percentages of participants' attitude were found on nurses response to acting on behalf of patients dimension 84.80 (SD 5.92), participants' attitude to championing social justice dimension of patient advocacy was the lowest item 79.59 (SD 6.49)
The results of this study revealed that there was no significant relationship between overall attitude toward oncology patient advocacy and each of socio demographic characteristics age, marital status, education, experience, attending patient rights orientation, nationality and religion
Summary
Cancer is considered one of the leading causes of death globally [1], estimated that around 7.6 million deaths cases (13% of all deaths) occur worldwide and, It is predicted to be on the rise for the few decades [2]. At some stage or another will take care of a patient diagnosed with cancer [5] and nurses are challenged with meeting the needs of cancer patients and their families [6]. Oncology nurses provide a focused patient centered care in assessing physical and psychosocial issues, and intervening to manage symptoms using their knowledge and critical thinking, that in turn supports patients and their families to manage and cope with diagnosis and treatment [7].
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