ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was a descriptive survey of nursing needs for post surgical colon cancer patients at discharge. METHOD: A survey was done utilizing questionnaires about the nursing needs a target sample of 61 patients who had colon cancer surgery during April May 2006 in a general hospital in Seoul. RESULTS: Levels for treatment & prognosis were the highest in all domain, high in order of psychological support & stability, complications & discomfort, diet, daily life style, recovery & health promotion, and support system. Patient factors affecting nursing needs were age, job, duration of colon cancer and handling of stoma. CONCLUSION: Using discharge education for colon cancer patients based on the results of this study, nurses should focus on the domains of treatment & prognosis, psychological support & stability and complication & discomfort, and should tailor teaching content to be specified for age, job, duration of colon cancer, and handling of stoma.