Quality of Nursing Care as Perceived by Patients Treated for Multiple Myeloma in Polish Oncology Units: A...

Background/Objectives: Patient satisfaction is one of the indicators of the quality of nursing care. The purpose of this study is to find out the level of satisfaction of patients with multiple myeloma with the quality of nursing care in oncology units. Methods: Data were obtained by a diagnostic survey method, using the Newcastle Nursing Satisfaction Scale. The survey was conducted among patients from four oncology departments in Poland on the day the patient was discharged or transferred to another unit. Participation in the study was voluntary and required patient consent. Patients were assured of the anonymity of their responses. Results: The study included 65 men and 75 women treated with chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Experiences and satisfaction with nursing care presented a level of 71.80 points and 74.46 points, respectively. The analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of treatment and gender. A statistically significant negative association was shown between age and nursing care experience score (r = -0.19; p = 0.024). Positive associations were shown between length of stay on the unit and rating of experience of nursing care (r = 0.23; p = 0.006) and satisfaction with nursing care (r = 0.26; p = 0.002). Conclusions: The experience and satisfaction with nursing care among patients treated for multiple myeloma in Polish oncology units is moderate. Efforts should be made to improve the quality of nursing care, especially taking into account the needs of the elderly.