Physical Symptoms and Psychiatric, Social, Spiritual and Economical Care Needs of Patients under Home-based Cancer Service.
10.14475/kjhpc.2014.17.4.216
- Author:
Myung Hee KANG
1
;
Young Sil MOON
;
Young Joon LEE
;
Yoon Sik KANG
;
Hoon Gu KIM
;
Gyeong Won LEE
;
Won Sup LEE
;
Jung Hun KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Korea. newatp@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Home care services;
Symptom assessment;
Needs assessment
- MeSH:
Anorexia;
Fatigue;
Gyeongsangnam-do;
Home Care Services;
Humans;
Korea;
Needs Assessment;
Public Health;
Symptom Assessment
- From:Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
2014;17(4):216-222
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study was performed to identify the symptoms and care needs of home-based cancer patients in Korea and to add to the scarce literature on this topic. METHODS: Data were collected from patients who subscribed to home-based cancer care services in Jinju. Assessments were performed by nurses at the local public health center. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System with a numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to identify symptoms, and a four-point Likert scale was used to assess psychological, social, and spiritual needs. RESULTS: Cross-sectional data were collected in October 2013. A total of 209 patients participated and their median age was 65 years (range, 17~89 years). Most patients were diagnosed in the early stage of cancer (n=188); only 19 patients were diagnosed in the advanced stage. More than half the patients lived alone (n=115, 55.0%) and took care of themselves (n=128, 61.2%). Anorexia and fatigue were the most common symptoms (median NRS, 5 and 4, respectively). Patients needed economic support the most, whereas spiritual care was least needed (n=138 [67.3%] vs. n=128 [62.1%], respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients who signed up for home-based cancer care services in Jinju are struggling with a financial issue and physical symptoms. A customized approach is needed to improve the quality of the home-based care services.
