Nursing care from the perspective of cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the experiences and thoughts of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy about nursing care. Methods: This study, completed using a phenomenological qualitative research method, included 13 patients receiving treatment in an outpatient chemotherapy unit. Data were collected between September and November 2023 using a semi -structured interview form and audio recording. The descriptive analysis method was used to evaluate the data. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants based on volunteerism. Results: 53.8% had third -stage cancer and received chemotherapy treatment for an average of 36 months. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment stated that the nurses were interested in them. They evaluated the care provided by the nurses as good. Their most significant expectations from nurses were patience, understanding, and a smiling face. They stated that they did not have any problems in their communication with nurses during treatment. However, they often experienced communication problems due to inappropriate physical conditions, patient density, insufficient number of nurses, and the noise of the devices used in treatment. Conclusion: As a result, we recommend that the physical conditions of chemotherapy units be improved, and the number of nurses brought to an adequate level to increase the quality of nursing care.