Corresponding Author: Kiran
Nawaz Ali
E-mail: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, cancer has emerged as the leading
cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for
effective management strategies. It continues to pose a significant challenge
to global public health, with its prevalence steadily rising as the population
ages and high-risk behaviors become more common (Bakhiet et al., 2021). Furthermore, it is imperative to prioritize patient
education regarding symptoms, treatment options, and potential side effects.
This aspect of care plays a pivotal role in empowering patients to actively
participate in their treatment journey, make informed decisions, and
effectively manage any challenges that may arise during their course of
treatment.
Recent research findings indicate that providing comprehensive
education to cancer patients regarding their symptoms and the trajectory of
their disease can lead to notable reductions in both pain severity and
catastrophizing tendencies. This suggests that empowering patients with
knowledge about their condition not only enhances their understanding but also
positively influences their perception and management of pain (Gonz�lez-Mart�n, et al., 2023).
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10
million deaths were reported in the year 2020 globally, meaning one out of six
persons having cancer would die. The World Health Organization estimated that
by 2035, there would be at least 24 million additional cancer diagnoses. This
data suggests that the mortality ratio is steadily rising, which is increasing
the burden of the disease worldwide (Organization, 2022).�
The knowledge about cancer and its management helps in
adjusting the resource allocation in terms of public health policy. This
escalating trend emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing our
understanding of cancer symptoms and treatment-related knowledge among
patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy.
Patient education plays a pivotal role in empowering
individuals to navigate their cancer journey by providing them with essential
information about symptoms, treatment options, and potential side effects.
Chemotherapy, a cornerstone of cancer treatment, often comes with a range of
side effects that can impact patients' quality of life and treatment adherence (Katta, Vijayakumar, Dutta, Dubashi, &
Ramakrishnaiah, 2023). Thus, it is crucial for patients to be
well-informed about what to expect during chemotherapy, how to manage side
effects, and when to seek medical assistance. However, studies have shown that
many cancer patients lack comprehensive knowledge about their disease and
treatment, which can lead to increased anxiety, uncertainty, and suboptimal
treatment outcomes (Derry, Reid, & Prigerson, 2019).
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of
patient education in cancer care, there are notable gaps in the existing
literature regarding symptoms and treatment-related knowledge among cancer
patients receiving chemotherapy. Existing literature tends to focus on specific
cancer types or treatment modalities, which may limit the generalizability of
findings across diverse patient populations. Additionally, there is a lack of
research examining the impact of socioeconomic factors, health literacy levels,
and cultural beliefs on patients' understanding of their disease and treatment.
Moreover, the effectiveness of different educational interventions and
strategies in improving patient knowledge and outcomes remains inadequately
explored
By addressing gaps in knowledge and promoting informed
decision-making, this research aims to contribute to improved patient outcomes,
resource allocation in public health policy, and ultimately, the reduction of
cancer-related mortality and morbidity on a global scale. Specifically, this
study seeks to investigate the current level of symptoms and treatment-related
knowledge among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, identify any
deficiencies, and explore strategies to enhance patient education in this
critical aspect of cancer care.
The findings of this research are expected to have
several implications for clinical practice and healthcare policy. Firstly, by
identifying areas of knowledge deficits among cancer patients, healthcare
providers can tailor educational interventions to meet the specific needs of
patients undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, insights gained from this study
can inform the development of educational materials, support programs, and
communication strategies aimed at improving patient education and empowerment
throughout the cancer care continuum. Ultimately, the dissemination of accurate
and accessible information about cancer symptoms and treatment can help
alleviate patient anxiety, enhance treatment adherence, and improve overall
quality of life for individuals living with cancer.
METHOD
The study aimed to
evaluate the need for health education and knowledge about symptoms and
treatment among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
�� Search Strategy
Several search engines, including PubMed, CINHAAL,
Science Direct, Research Gate, and Google Scholar, were used to conduct a
complete and broad literature evaluation. Each database was searched by using
keywords for "Knowledge OR Health Literacy OR Health Education OR Patient
Knowledge AND Chemotherapy OR Symptoms OR Treatment Plan". In the PubMed
database, 1,815 hits were obtained by using these keywords. Chemotherapy OR
Cancer Patients AND Nursing showed 1,570 results, and Inadequate Knowledge OR
Cancer Patients AND Chemotherapy showed 442 results. Whereas, in the CINHAAL
database, 2,093 hits were obtained for "Knowledge OR Health Education OR
Knowledge Deficit AND Chemotherapy OR Side Effects OR Treatment Plan".
Moreover, 1,801 hits were obtained for "Inadequate Patient Knowledge AND
Chemotherapy OR Symptoms". Additional materials were found by screening
the cumulative index of the original articles (Refer to PRISMA presented in
Figure 1 for the literature search strategy).
Figure 1. Literature Search Strategy (PRISMA)
After analyzing the
literature of knowledge about the symptoms and treatment of cancer patients,
undergoing chemotherapy is an essential component for better survival and for
reducing suffering. It is necessary to identify patients' knowledge regarding
chemotherapy so that they can receive health education tailored to the needs,
capabilities, and preferences of individual patients.
The full-text
publications from recent and concentrated literature of 5-10 years were
selected, from which few relevant articles were picked after evaluating the
title and abstract page; duplicate articles were eliminated after carefully
analyzing the searched literature. A total of 20 articles, altogether, were
used to synthesize the literature for the study. Information about the study
title, authors, year, and purpose of publication, study design, sample size,
and key findings are presented in Table 1.
Table 1 Articles synthesized for literature
review
|
Author's
Name and Year of Publication
|
Purpose
of the Study
|
Study
Design
|
Sample
Size
|
Key
Findings
|
|
Petronella
et al., (2022)
|
This systematic
review aims to summarize all the studies and evaluate patient preferences for
different types of oncology treatment outcomes.
|
Systematic
Review
|
133
|
1.
Older cancer patients
prioritized quality of life over survival outcomes. QoL was identified as a
key treatment outcome by most of the patients in the studies reviewed.
2.
Patient preferences for
treatment may be influenced by factors such as age, gender, cancer type, and
comorbidities.��������������������������������
3.
Patients preferred to be
informed about treatment options, potential benefits and risks and to be
involved in the decision-making process.���������������
4.
Patient-centred care that
addresses the holistic needs of older cancer patients may lead to improved
treatment outcomes and quality of life.
|
|
(Sivakumar & Susila, 2021)
|
This study
evaluated the effectiveness of self-care interventions on knowledge and
performance status in chemotherapy-treated cancer patients.
|
Quasi-experimental
study
|
200
|
1.
Self-care interventions can
improve cancer patients' knowledge as well as their ability to manage
symptoms.�����������������������������������
2.
Self-efficacy, or the acceptance
of one's ability to accomplish self-care behaviours, can be enhanced through
self-care interventions.���������������
3.
Self-care interventions may lead
to improvements in cancer patient�s physical functioning, emotional comfort,
and overall QoL.���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
|
(�Assessment of Patients� Knowledge in Managing Side
Effects of Chemotherapy: Case of King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital,� 2020)
|
The purpose
of this study was to evaluate cancer patients' general knowledge about side
effects and symptoms, as well as their understanding of how to manage side
effects.
|
Observational
cross-sectional study
|
90
|
The
findings indicated that cancer patients had a good level of knowledge of
chemotherapy side effects. Additionally, around a third of the patients
adhered well to their chemotherapy regimen. Patients' awareness of
chemotherapy and QoL is likely to improve as a result of healthcare
providers' involvement in chemotherapy education.
|
|
(Gautam et al., 2022)
|
This study
evaluated the incidence, severity, and symptoms among cancer patients
receiving chemotherapy, as well as their predictors.
|
Analytical
cross-sectional
study
|
233
|
The study
highlighted the importance of regular symptom assessment and management in
cancer care, as well as the need for improved communication between patients
and healthcare providers.
|
|
(Vidhya et al., 2022)
|
This study
aimed to evaluate cancer patients' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.
|
Descriptive
cross-sectional study
|
156
|
The
attitudes of cancer patients need to be changed, and they need to be made
more aware of the warning indications of cancer.
|
|
(Lavdaniti, 2015)
|
This study
looked at the incidence, seriousness, and distress of side effects brought on
by chemotherapy in cancer patients.
|
Descriptive
and non-experimental
|
200
|
The
findings of this study revealed that a variety of symptoms are very common
and extremely severe in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. In order to
alleviate suffering and enhance patients' QoL, nurses should consider these
findings while making care plans and interventions.
|
|
(El-Kass et al., 2021)
|
To evaluate
the requirements and effectiveness of self-care for cancer patients who are
experiencing chemotherapeutic side effects.
|
Descriptive
cross-sectional design
|
150
|
According
to the study, almost half of the patients had an inadequate understanding of
cancer, chemotherapy, and the effectiveness of self-care for symptoms like
appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, exhaustion, hair loss, and dry
skin. However, they were effective at taking care of themselves when they had
diarrhoea or constipation.
|
|
(Arunachalam et al., 2021)
|
The study
looked into the relationship between self-care skills and the capability of
chemotherapy survivors to manage their side effects.
|
Cross-sectional,
descriptive study.
|
100
|
The study's
findings showed that better self-care techniques for coping with chemotherapy
side effects among cancer survivors would result from more awareness of the
drug's negative consequences.
|
|
(Sehgal,
2020)
|
The study's
objective was to evaluate how well PTP improved cancer patients' knowledge
and attitudes about side effect treatment and prevention.
|
Pre-experimental
design
|
35
|
1.
Following the intended teaching
program, there was a considerable improvement in patients' knowledge scores
about the prevention and management of chemotherapy side effects.����
2.
Following the intended teaching
program, there was a considerable improvement in the attitude scores of
patients toward the management and prevention of chemotherapeutic side
effects.
|
|
(Berger et al., 2018)
|
The study's
goal was to determine whether cancer patients' perceptions of and
satisfaction with the information were related to their level of knowledge
about their condition and treatment.
|
Prospective,
longitudinal study
|
98
|
The
patients with the highest baseline knowledge scores also had daily internet
access and paid work. The average knowledge score greatly increased. The
patients stated on the INFO25 throughout the same time frame that they had
received significantly more information overall and that they were happier
with it.
|
|
Moghazy, N. A. E., Hafez, G. E. S.,
& Ibrahim, A. A. M. (2020)
|
The goal of
the study was to assess the impact of self-care routines and an education
program on reducing the side effects and improving QoL for patients with
stomach cancer who are receiving chemotherapy.
|
Quasi-experimental
design
|
50
|
There was a
statistically significant disparity and improvement in the
patient's overall knowledge, side effects, and self-care practices.
|
|
(D�Souza
et al., 2016)
|
The purpose
of the study was to identify the Cancer sufferers' coping mechanisms for the
physical and emotional side effects of chemotherapy.
|
Mixed
methods
|
30
|
Medication,
rest, and distraction were the three main coping mechanisms for physical
issues. Patients will ultimately be helped in living with this terrible
condition if they receive adequate medical care supported by effective coping
mechanisms for dealing with their physical issues, sadness, and anxiety.
|
|
(Ayalew et al., 2022)
|
The study's
goal is to assess the knowledge and behaviour of women receiving chemotherapy
for breast cancer.
|
Cross-sectional
Study
|
264
|
According
to the survey, almost half of the participants lacked expertise, and more
than half had negative experiences. Therefore, healthcare professionals
should inform their patients about chemotherapy and teach them how to handle
any potential adverse effects.
|
|
(Silva
et al., 2017)
|
To
determine whether patients with abdominal cancer require information.
|
Cross-sectional
study
|
100
|
The
quantity of information obtained was seen well by the patients. With an
average score of over 80%, the questions about the disease, exams, therapy,
and general knowledge stood out. However, less than 40% of respondents were
satisfied with the amount of information for some items, indicating
discontent.
|
|
Rani, U. R. (2021).
|
This
study�s objective is to evaluate
cancer
patients' perceptions of the side effects of chemotherapy.
|
Descriptive
study
cross-sectional
study
|
84
|
The most
unsettling side effects of chemotherapy were physical problems.
|
|
(Parker et al., 2020)
|
The purpose
of this study was to describe the effect of demographics and health literacy
on women with breast cancer who are receiving chemotherapy.
|
Descriptive
exploratory design
|
46
|
This study
brought attention to the importance of taking patients' characteristics, like
marital status and income, as well as their level of health literacy, into
account when teaching chemotherapy.
|
|
(Christiansen et al., 2023)
|
The
literature on cancer education and assessment methodologies in LMICs was
summarized in this systematic review, which also identified best practices
and pointed out areas that need more research.
|
Systematic
Review
|
77
|
There is
inadequate empirical research on cancer patient education in LMICs.
|
|
(Holden et al., 2021)
|
The
objectives of this research were to determine which outcomes are related to
health literacy in cancer patients and to combine this information with the
patient experience as it was expressed in qualitative studies.
|
Mixed
studies systematic review
|
97
|
�Lower health literacy was linked to the
worsened quality of life and care experiences, as well as increased
difficulties in tying together, comprehending, and processing information
relevant to cancer. Participants' information processing and care
decision-making were influenced by their own experiences and the
circumstances in which they found themselves.
|
|
(Magalh�es
et al., 2020)
|
The
goal of this study was to compile data on how cancer patients self-managed
symptoms brought on by chemotherapy.
|
A
systematic review and thematic synthesis
|
336
|
Diverse
patient experiences with disease and self-management symptoms necessitate
individualized nursing care, personal drive, and positive perspectives on
chemotherapy-related side effects.
|
|
(Liu et
al., 2021)
|
The
objectives of this study were to (a) investigate how patients experienced
chemotherapy, (b) identify patients' coping mechanisms for dealing with
discomfort and side effects, and (c) investigate the relationship between
patients' experiences and coping mechanisms.
|
A
systematic review of qualitative research
|
184
|
The
study found that they experience emotional distress, physical side effects,
and a need for social support. Coping strategies, information needs, and
treatment decision-making were also highlighted as important aspects of their
experiences.
|
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Problems Faced by Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
�When cancer patients are
undergoing chemotherapy, they confront a variety of issues. These problems
include adverse effects of chemotherapy, which impact individuals'
physiological, social, spiritual, and psychological functioning (Rani, 2021). The common side effects that
impact physically are fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sleep
disturbance, alopecia, mucositis, febrile neutropenia, myelosuppression,
electrolytes imbalance, peripheral neuropathy, extravasation, cardiac toxicity (Magalh�es et al.,
2020).
A descriptive and non-experimental study was conducted in Northern Greece
to assess the symptoms of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n=200). The
author found that the symptoms of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were
fatigue, nausea, pain, and sleep disturbance. The severity of these symptoms
varied significantly across patients, with some experiencing mild symptoms
while others experienced severe symptoms. The study provides valuable insights
into the symptoms that cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy endure.
It highlights the need for healthcare professionals to carefully monitor and
manage these symptoms to improve patients' QoL (Lavdaniti, 2015).
A cross-sectional study examined the symptoms of cancer patients in Nepal
in 2022 (n=233). The results of the study highlighted the significance of
regular symptom assessment and management in cancer care, as well as the need
for improved communication between patients and healthcare providers. Moreover,
knowledge about symptoms and treatment, as recounted by cancer patients
throughout and after their treatment, would be helpful for the HCP to plan and
adapt the strategies for the treatment. Therefore, nurses should plan
interventions in order to relieve these symptoms, thereby enhancing cancer
patients' QoL (Gautam et al., 2022).��
Cancer Patients QoL
Chemotherapy has long-term effects on one's quality of life, too (Haryana et al.,
2018). Quality of life refers to an individual's overall
sense of well-being, which includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual
dimensions. For cancer patients, their quality of life can be significantly
impacted by their diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, QoL is dependent on
symptom management and cancer patients' needs, so it is an important metric for
evaluating cancer patient treatment survival and efficacy (Jurys et al., 2022).
A quasi-experimental study conducted in Egypt in 2020 revealed the
efficiency of self-care practices and teaching programs in alleviating
chemotherapy adverse effects and enhancing the QoL for patients. This program
was designed to educate patients with cancer about self-care practices to
manage chemotherapy's adverse effects and to improve their QoL. The program
consisted of several phases, and the patient's total knowledge was expected to
increase progressively throughout these phases (Abd et al. et al.,
2020).
Phase 1
Pre-education Assessment. In this phase, the patient�s baseline knowledge
about self-care practices, chemotherapy side effects, and QoL is assessed
through surveys, questionnaires, or interviews. This helps establish the
starting point of their knowledge and identifies areas that need improvement.
Phase 2
Educational Intervention. During this phase, patients receive education
on self-care practices through various methods, such as individual counselling,
group sessions, written materials, or multimedia presentations. The education
may cover topics such as managing chemotherapy side effects, maintaining
nutrition, hygiene, emotional well-being, and improving the overall quality of
life.
Phase 3
Post-education Assessment. After completing the educational intervention,
patients' knowledge is assessed again to measure the effectiveness of the
program. This may involve repeating the surveys, self-reported chemotherapy
adverse effects questionnaires, or interviews and questionnaires to measure
patients' QoL as used in the pre-education assessment to compare the results
and evaluate the changes in the patient's knowledge.
Phase 4
Follow-up. Some self-care practice education programs may be included in
a follow-up phase where patients are monitored over time to reinforce the
learned knowledge and skills, address any concerns, and provide additional
support if needed.
Throughout these phases, the patients' total knowledge about self-care
practices, chemotherapy effects, and QoL is expected to improve. Patients
should gain a better understanding of how to manage chemotherapy side effects,
maintain their health, and improve their overall well-being.
Inadequate Patient Knowledge
A pre-experimental study conducted in India reported that over 75-80% of
the population is in the advanced stages of the disease (stages third or
fourth) at the initial diagnosis. This is due to a need for knowledge,
screening programs, financial concerns, and the disease's stigma. The findings
of this study showed that in patients who followed the intended teaching
program, there was a significant improvement in the knowledge scores about the
prevention and management of side effects (Sehgal, 2020).
One more cross-sectional study conducted in Ethiopia in 2021 found that a
majority of the women surveyed had poor knowledge about breast cancer and
chemotherapy. They had low awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
and had limited knowledge about the side effects of chemotherapy. This study
also found that the women faced several challenges while receiving
chemotherapy, such as the duration of the hospital's commute, insufficient
information provided by healthcare providers, and limited access to support
services. However, despite these challenges, the majority of the women reported
a high level of satisfaction with their overall cancer care. The results of
this study concluded that there was a need to improve patient education and
support services for women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy in
Ethiopia. The outcome of this study can inform the progress of targeted
interventions aimed at improving patient knowledge, experience, and
satisfaction with cancer care (Ayalew et al., 2022).
Additionally, the responsibility of nurses in providing the information
is another prevalent challenge in situations where there is a heavy workload,
time constraints, limited teaching materials, and a uniform approach to patient
education, which means that the same protocols for educating patients should be
followed within the hospitals. These are the reasons nurses are reportedly
unable to finish patient education timely.
A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Indonesia
(n=84) highlights that patients with inappropriate and deficient knowledge
related to chemotherapy have ended up with deprived symptom management,
increased anxiety levels, and are unable to cope (Indra & Saputra,
2021). Additionally, the patient
reported that the following physical side effects of chemotherapy were
particularly upsetting: vomiting (29.8%), loss of appetite (28.6%), weight loss
(27.4%), headache (16.7%), and fever (15.5%). While anxiety (14.3%) and dread
of death (15.5%) were perceived as non-physical side effects, they did
influence work and household responsibilities.
One more key concern related to information sharing is the patient's
ability to assimilate information and the feelings of being overburdened. It
has been noted that patient teaching materials are written in a very
challenging language that is beyond the functional literacy of the average
patient (Jivraj et al., 2018). Moreover, a cross-sectional
study conducted in Gaza highlighted that statistically, there were relevant
discrepancies between the patients, knowledge and their social and physical
needs with the value of P ≤ 0.001. The results revealed that almost half
of the studied participants had deprived knowledge of chemotherapy and
self-care (El-Kass et al.,
2021).
A cross-sectional study conducted at the Al India Institute of Medical
Sciences in 2022 showed that the majority of the participants had a good
understanding of cancer as a disease. However, there were some misconceptions
and knowledge gaps regarding the causes and risk factors of cancer. For
example, some participants believed that cancer was caused by eating spicy or
oily food or by using mobile phones. The study also found that cultural and
social factors influenced the attitudes and beliefs of cancer patients. Many
participants expressed fear, anxiety, and stigmatization related to their
cancer diagnosis. Some participants also believed that cancer was a punishment
from God or that it was incurable, leading to fatalistic attitudes toward the
disease. (Vidhya
et al., 2022).
The study also highlighted the need for education and awareness campaigns
to improve the understanding of cancer and its causes among the general public.
Also, it emphasized the importance of addressing cultural and social factors
that affect the attitudes and beliefs of cancer patients and the need for
psychological support and counselling services to address the emotional impact
of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
According to a descriptive exploratory study conducted at the University
of South Carolina to address the factors affecting knowledge about
chemotherapy, knowledge is influenced by several factors, including the
patient's age, education level, race, and cancer stage. Younger patients and
those with higher education levels tend to have higher levels of chemotherapy
knowledge. In comparison, older patients and those with lower education levels
may have lower levels of knowledge. Patients with earlier-stage cancer tend to
have higher knowledge levels about chemotherapy compared to those with
advanced-stage cancer (Parker et al., 2020).
In a prospective longitudinal study carried out at a cancer hospital in
Norway in 2018, it was reported that the mean knowledge score of cancer
patients increased significantly from baseline to the completion of treatment
and then remained stable at the follow-up assessment. The researchers noted
that this pattern was observed across all cancer types and treatment
modalities. Additionally, the results of their analysis of the factors
associated with higher levels of knowledge, like younger age, higher education,
and high income, were all significantly associated with higher levels of
knowledge, and patients who reported better communication with healthcare
professionals had higher levels of knowledge (Berger et al., 2018).
Self-care Measures on Knowledge
Self-care interventions can improve cancer patients' knowledge about
their diagnosis and treatment options, as well as their capability to manage
symptoms, warning signs, and side effects. Self-efficacy and self-care
behaviours can be enhanced through self-care interventions. These interventions
may lead to improvements in cancer patients, physical functioning, emotional
well-being, and overall quality of life (Sivakumar &
Susila, 2021). A cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 revealed
that 71% of the participants with low socioeconomic background and low
educational status had an association with a lack of knowledge related to
chemotherapy and its adverse effects (Arunachalam et al.,
2021). Likewise, the participants' self-care practices
were found to be significantly and favourably linked with their knowledge of
chemotherapy, disease, and the treatment plan. Additionally, self-care
practices refer to the activities of daily living, engaging with families and
communities to improve and preserve health, but patients going through
chemotherapy may modify their self-care practices to fulfil their bodily and
psychological needs.
A quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Dr. Kamatchi Memorial
Hospital, India, to explore the efficacy of self-care measures on knowledge of
cancers. The study used a purposive sampling technique with n=200 patients, and
the types of cancer that patients were suffering from were breast, buccal
mucosa, oesophagus, gastric, and rectal cancer. The study findings showed that
there was sufficient knowledge (95%) about self-care techniques. The variance
between the post-knowledge scores in the experimental and control groups was
significant, at P<0.001. Most patients reported having high levels of
self-efficacy (P<0.001). The performance level shows a high degree of
performance status, self-efficacy, and knowledge (Sivakumar &
Susila, 2021).
Knowledge Gap
Patient education is still increasingly challenged due to inadequate
health literacy, lack of adherence, and non-compliance. [16] Hence, developing
culturally relevant and tailored programs for healthcare personnel, cancer
patients, and their families increases their understanding of patients and
families and enhances application/ transformation in nursing practice.
An observational study conducted at the University Hospital Jeddah in
2019 included 90 participants, of whom 63% were female, and the patients' mean
age was 47.5 years. The study found that 64.7% of the patients had inadequate
knowledge about chemotherapy side effects and their management. The majority of
the patients did not know the correct time to take their medications and how to
cope with their side effects. However, patients who received education on
chemotherapy side effects from healthcare providers had a higher level of
knowledge than those who did not (�Assessment of
Patients� Knowledge in Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Case of King
Abdul-Aziz University Hospital,� 2020).To further work on these concerns, nurses, with
institutional collaboration, can conduct patient teaching programs particularly
linked to chemotherapy. This program content should be wider and cover the type
of chemotherapy the patient is receiving, the number of cycles, management of
adverse effects, and self-care practices to promote the QoL. After the session,
patients and their families should be asked open-ended questions to explain any
misconceptions they may have (Jivraj et al., 2018).
Similarly, nurses must actively teach patients and caregivers about the
significance of self-evaluation, prompt intervention, warning signs, and safety
measures to take in the event of life-threatening emergencies. Sometimes,
patients do not report their side effects because they feel that by reporting
their side effects, their treatment will be discontinued (Olver et al., 2018).
A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at the National Cancer
Institute of Brazil in 2017 (n=100), evaluating the accuracy of the information
provided to surgical patients with abdominal cancer. Their research revealed
that more than 80% of participants expressed greater levels of satisfaction
with the information patients have received (satisfaction levels of more than
40%), particularly information pertaining to the disease, various settings of
care, and aspects of self-help (Guimar�es et al. et
al., 2017).
Communication skills among HealthCare Personnel are becoming increasingly
essential in managing the issues within the healthcare system. Patients with
cancer particularly require supportive and compassionate relationships with
their HCPs because cancer treatment frequently impairs their quality of life (Prip et al., 2018). Healthcare professionals should promote self-care
awareness and education programs linked to cancer awareness, treatments,
decision-making ability, adverse effects, and complications to advance
patients' quality of life and assist them in coping with the illness and
achieving their intended health outcomes.
CONCLUSION
After analyzing the literature from
previous studies, four themes were identified. "Problems faced by cancer
patients undergoing chemotherapy," "Cancer patient's quality of life,"
"Inadequate patient knowledge", and "Self-care measures on
knowledge." These themes help to identify the knowledge gap among cancer
patients and also to improve the standard of life for oncology patients
receiving chemotherapy.
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