Emotional support of cancer patients: the nursing approach

The present study attempts to classify cancer patients' psychologic responses in order of importance, and to identify the role of the oncology nursing staff in the moral support of these patients. We want to emphasize the significant role of the nursing staff because until 1990, Greece had no specialization in the field of oncology nursing. After the initial diagnosis of cancer, the patient was considered as emotionally depressed. Our sample consisted of 120 cancer patients from the southwestern regions of Greece. From our research, we concluded that the factors generally characterizing cancer patients, in order of priority, are (a) moral support from family and friends (p < 0.0001), (b) psychologic reactions after some months (p < 0.0001), (c) sex (p = 0.0006), (d) age (p < 0.0001), (e) marital status (p < 0.0001), and (f) psychologic reactions during the first days following diagnosis (p = 0.018) because of the shock experienced. More specifically, we wish to stress the absence of the consulting role on the part of the nursing staff. This finding is worth the keen attention of consultants on health matters. Nurses have a great deal to contribute to the emotional care of cancer patients, and are puzzled about the reasons why they are not asked to participate in this important function.