Article

Patients with cancer and their close relatives: experiences with treatment, care, and support.

Faculty of Health and Social Services, Bergen College, Norway.
Cancer Nursing (impact factor: 1.79). 03/2003; 26(1):68-74. pp.68-74
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT This article presents findings from a study of 536 patients with cancer and 473 of their close relatives from 15 different hospitals in Norway. The study assessed the satisfaction of both groups with the help and support they received from different sources such as family and friends, health personnel, and fellow patients. The results indicate that the patients received more support and information than their close relatives. The patients also were generally more satisfied with the support. Furthermore, the relatives seemed to underestimate the help and support provided to the patients. For both the patients and their close relatives, family and friends proved to be important sources of support. Regarding the public health services, almost 90% of the patients were very satisfied with the medical treatment. On the other hand, only an approximate 13% were very satisfied with information about alternative treatment and financial issues related to the disease. For the patients, the contact with fellow patients was highly valued. For most of the patients, this contact provided hope for the future, but it also had the potential for painful and sad feelings. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Norwegian Cancer Society to provide information that can be used for the guidance of health personnel and care of patients and their relatives.

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Keywords

15 different hospitals
 
alternative treatment
 
approximate 13%
 
article presents findings
 
different sources
 
fellow patients
 
financial issues
 
health personnel
 
medical treatment
 
Norwegian Cancer Society
 
painful
 
patients
 
public health services
 
sad feelings
 
underestimate