Supportive Care Needs of Patients with Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the supportive care needs of gynecologic cancer patients, and to provide basic data for patient-centered care. Methods: The data were collected from 153 patients with ovarian/cervix/uterine cancer in 2016. For the data collection, the Korean version of the Supportive Care Needs Scale-gyne and electronic charts were used. T-test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The standardized scores for the supportive care needs of patients ranged from 19.45 to 35.66. The supportive care need in the psychological domain was the highest, followed by the emotional, physical, and information domains. The ten highest frequency items consisted of 5 items in information, 3 in psychological, 1 item each in the emotional and spiritual domain. Patients under 45 years old have more fear about treatment and disability, and uncertainty about their future. College graduates had higher needs for information about support groups and self-care. Patients with recurrence felt more bored and meaningless. Conclusion: Patients with gynecologic cancer have various supportive care needs according to their characteristics. In order to fulfil their needs, a more intensive and patient-centered individualized approach based on the patient’s characteristics should be introduced.