MEETING PALLIATIVE CARE NEEDS OF CANCER PATIENT TREATED AT NAM DINH GENERRAL HOSPITAL IN 2020

Abstract

Objective: To describe the current of need and meeting palliative care needs of cancer patients treated at Nam Dinh General Hospital in 2020. Method: A descriptive study performed on 350 cancer patients being treated at the Department of Oncology - Nam Dinh General Hospital from 12/2019 to 8/2020 meeting the inclusion criteria. Information was gathered in the form by direct interviews with patients through pre-designed questionnaires. For each question, the patient chose one of two options “Yes” or “No”, depending on whether the patient had the need or not and if the need was met or not. Results: The rate of patients who needed the health information support was highest, accounting for 77,7%; the rate of patients needed physical and daily activities assistance was 77,4% while the need of psychological assistance accounted for 70,3%. The rates of meeting patients needs of health information, of physical and daily activities as well as of psychology were 79,7%; 74,6% and 69,7% respectively. Conclusion: Cancer patients have different needs, the highest need is for disease diagnosis (82,9%); the lowest is the need to participate in activities to reduce feelings of depression (62,3%). Meeting the needs is highest for needs of disease diagnosis (84,3%) and lowest for personal hygiene care (60,3%). Care must be based on the needs of the patient; Therefore, it is necessary to properly assess the needs of each patient in order to offer appropriate and effective care.