Analysis of Symptoms and Provided Services in Home-Based Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to identify symptoms and provided services of home-based cancer patients in J province. METHODS: 1,350 data poins for 167 home-based cancer patients were analyzed retrospectively. 13 symptoms and 39 service items were measured by tools for home-based cancer patients suggested by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs. RESULTS: The mean number of provided services was 7.4+/-9.1. The most common symptoms were fatigue, anorexia, and pain. Patients whose duration after diagnosis was over 6 years, who had metastasis, or who underwent terminal care had more symptoms. Patient education, emotional and spiritual support, and basic assessment and services were provided most often. Frequency of provided services in patients whose duration after diagnosis was over 6 years or who had metastasis was higher. Services such as symptom and pain control, or death of the patient/the bereaved were provided with more support with patients who underwent terminal care. CONCLUSION: There were some differences in provided services according to medical characteristics. Patients experienced diverse symptoms, but services regarding these symptoms seemed to be insufficient. For more effective services, cooperation between organizations for home-based cancer patients is needed to form a better management model based on the merit of each facility or patient characteristics.