Knowledge and Supportive Care Needs of Advanced Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy ์ีNurse's Roles

Abstract

Patients with advanced cancer require palliative care focusing on symptom management to relieve suffering and improve quality of life rather than prolong survival. The most common physical and psychological symptoms are dyspnea, gastrointestinal disturbance, fatigue, pain, insomnia, anxiety, and not well-being. Knowledge about the disease and prognosis, treatment with chemotherapy, self-care, and symptom management including adaptation are required for patients and relatives. In addition, support and help from family, peers, society, and healthcare personnels are also needed.

Nurses play a critical role in patient education and support according to Orem’s theory as following; 1) educate basic knowledge in consistent with patients’ and relatives’ needs to develop skills, self-care abilities, and adaptation, and 2) provide physical and psychological support including essential instrument provision during training skills and practicing self-care.