Change of the Self-care Agency and Quality of Life after Craniotomy among Patients with Brain tumor according to time

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the self-care agency and quality of life (QOL) among patients with brain tumors after craniotomy. METHODS: A sample of 96 patients was recruited from a university hospital in Seoul. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from August 2017 to December 2018. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses with SPSS 24.0, IBM. RESULTS: The mean scores of the 1st and 2nd stages in the self-care agency increased from 4.75 to 5.15, and in the quality of life rose from 67.94 to 78.60. The score of the second stage was higher than the first in all sub-scales of the self-care agency and the quality. Physical function was the only sub-scale of the self-care agency that affected quality of life in both stages (1st: β=.71, p<.001, 2nd : β=.77, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the result, to improve QOL with brain tumor after craniotomy, it is important to assess physical function of patients and provide appropriate interventions.

The Factors of Pain and Pain Management after Transarterial Chemoembolization in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors of pain and pain management after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Participants were 99 inpatients with HCC who underwent TACE at C University in Seoul from May to October 2016. The instruments used in this study were the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Pain Management Index (PMI), and the modified Patient Outcome Questionnaire (American Pain Society). The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, specifically descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who experienced pain after TACE was 66.7%. The mean pain score immediately after TACE was 4.43±2.36 and the highest score on average was 6.58±2.32. The pain score was highest at 5.24±5.67 hours after TACE. Significant factors influencing pain after TACE were the extent of embolization and the ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) score, which explained 26% of the variance in pain. PMI scores revealed that 33.3% of the participants were inadequately treated for pain. CONCLUSION: In order to properly manage pain after TACE, medical staff need accurate understanding of pain and to administer the appropriate dosage of analgesics. The development of pain management protocol for patients who have undergone TACE would help achieve these goals.