Journal of Korean Thyroid Association  2013;6(2):115-120

doi:10.11106/jkta.2013.6.2.115

What Are Patients with Thyroid Cancer Surgery Concerned about?.

Hanna KIM 1 ; Yoon Hee PARK ; Young Ja OH ; Kyung Ah PARK ; In Sook KIM ; Kum Myoung WOO ; Bup Woo KIM ; Yong Sang LEE ; Hang Seok CHANG ; Cheong Soo PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Thyroid cancer; Surgery; Education of patients; Health survey

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To prevent getting wrong information and improve high quality of life, it is necessary to provide accurate information and patient education. This study aimed to collect basic data and develop educational program for thyroid cancer patient by understanding their educational needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 16 and June 15, 2012, 159 patients who underwent thyroid cancer surgery were enrolled. This survey consisted of 5 areas including management of the symptom and the complication after surgery, postoperative wound and dietary management, treatment plan after discharge, medication management, and daily life. RESULTS: The most common way for the patients to acquire information about the disease was Internet and the patients who used INTERNET as their information source were 54.7%. Doctors (76.1%) and nurses (21.4%) were the preferred educators for the patients, and small group education was the preferred education method. Specifically the need for "management of the symptom and the complication after surgery" was the highest (3.33), followed by "treatment plan after discharge" (3.31), "medication management" (3.19), "postoperative wound and dietary management" (3.17). CONCLUSION: Medical team including doctors and nurses should be the center to activate small group education for patients. Professional and individualized education program should be developed to give the proper education to patients and their family.