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Keeping cancer patients informed: a challenge for nursing
Carita Sainio1, Elina Eriksson
1Health Care Region of Helsinki and Uusimaa, HUCH Cancer Center, PL 180, FIN-00029 HYKS, Helsinki, Finland. toppari.sainio@pp.inet.fi
Summary
Cancer patients often lack sufficient information regarding prognosis and treatment. Information seeking positively impacts patient coping, mood, and attitudes, highlighting the need for improved communication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Patient Care
- Health Communication
Background:
- Effective communication is crucial for cancer patient well-being.
- Understanding patient information needs is essential for supportive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cancer patients' perceived information sufficiency from healthcare providers.
- To identify how information is delivered and explore supplementary information sources.
- To understand the meaning and impact of information for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 273 cancer patients.
- Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of patients reported insufficient information on prognosis, treatment alternatives, and cancer/treatment effects.
- Written information provided by healthcare staff was deemed inadequate.
- Leaflets on cancer and related topics were the most utilized external information sources.
- Information seeking and receipt were associated with time since diagnosis, employment status, physical condition, and mood.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in current cancer patient information provision.
- Patients seek information to enhance emotional well-being and coping mechanisms.
- Improving information delivery and accessibility is vital for cancer care.