Care needs of home-based cancer patients and their caregivers. Quantitative findings

Cancer Nurs. 1992 Jun;15(3):182-90.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify care needs of home-based patients receiving treatment for cancer and their caregivers. The sample consisted of 30 patients receiving radiation therapy and/or immunologically based treatments for a variety of cancers and 29 caregivers. Patient and caregiver needs scales were used to elicit the needs of patients and caregivers. Patients and caregivers were able to cite their unique needs. Patients had more needs for themselves in the areas of personal care, activity management, and interpersonal interaction than did the caregivers. The necessity for individualization of care was noted by both patients and caregivers, an area that nursing is in a unique position to address.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / standards*
  • Home Nursing*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors