Research on similarities and differences of information needs between cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the similarities and differences of information needs between cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, analyze the causes for cancer patients' different choices, and provide reasonable and disease-related information for cancer patients. Methods A total of 102 and 119 cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy relatively were asked to complete the questionnaire (IPQCP+2) and two questions about the total information capacity and content requirements. Results Two groups had different needs of therapeutic information and treatment in IPQCP. Cancer patients treated with chemotherapy needed more widely-ranged information than patients underwent radio-therapy. Conclusions Most of cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy need to be informed of disease-related information, among which the content of therapeutic information and total information is relative to the treatment. Nurses should provide disease-related medical information based on their different needs, as to improve the life quality of cancer patients.