Undergraduate nursing students' views on Oncology. A case study in Greece.

PURPOSE: To investigate the views of undergraduate nursing students at the Patras Higher Technological Education Institution (HTEI), Greece, on the subject of Nursing Oncology, as well as their attitudes towards cancer. METHODS: In total, 105 students of the last year participated in the study. All participants were anonymously administered a specifically designed questionnaire including various educational and practical training aspects. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed inadequacies in Oncology education and highlighted the need for improving preclinical training and developing students' skills with regard to patients' care and the management of various psychological and ethical issues. Furthermore, suggestions were made for increasing Oncology teaching staff, cooperation among subject specialists, increasing the hours devoted to Nursing Oncology, enhancing the basic and clinical courses, and introducing new subjects in the undergraduate curriculum. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a well-organized Nursing Oncology education at the Nursing School of Patras HTEl should combine the theoretical background with practical training so as to prevent fragmentation of Oncology as an independent subject and its incorporation into other disciplines.

Impact of providing booklets about chemotherapy to newly presenting patients with cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There has been limited research examining the efficacy of providing written information to cancer patients in southern and eastern European countries. This study investigated the impact of a booklet about chemotherapy on patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and emotional distress, and assessed booklet use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 145 Greek cancer outpatients prior to commencing chemotherapy completed a questionnaire and were randomized to receive (n = 72) or not receive (n = 73) the booklet. All patients completed the second questionnaire before the following cycle of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. Experimental group patients reported being significantly more satisfied with the information received and care overall than those in the control group, felt significantly more and better informed, and perceived the information received as being clearer and detailed. The intervention produced no benefits in terms of anxiety, depression or QoL. The booklet was read by almost all patients and to a great extent by significant others. The majority considered the booklet useful to read and helpful in recalling chemotherapy-related information. CONCLUSIONS: The current results provide further evidence on the efficacy of information-giving interventions in societies where disclosure of information to cancer patients still remains controversial.

Impact of cancer on primary caregivers of patients receiving radiation therapy.

The main objective of this study was to assess the consequences of caregiving on primary caregivers of Greek cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Sixty-five caregivers participated in the study and data were collected through structured interviews. Our results pointed to a lack of association concerning extent of patients' disease, treatment schedule, performance status or awareness of diagnosis. However, female caregivers with low qualifications, partners, and those living with the patient were more likely to report heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, severe impact of caregiving on their lives, poor health and low quality of life. In addition, it was shown through multivariate analyses that psychological distress was the sole predictor of overall health and global quality of life. In conclusion, Greek caregivers are to a great extent affected by the disease. Caring for significant others is essential to promoting quality of life for the family and the patient.

Transdermal fentanyl in cancer patients with moderate-to-severe pain: a prospective examination.

BACKGROUND: [corrected] The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the analgesic efficacy, toxicity and acceptability of the transdermal fentanyl therapeutic system (TTS-F) in Greek cancer patients with moderate-to-severe pain. METHODS: Forty-eight patients participated in the study: 34 were men and 14 women, mean age was 63, and all but 2 had advanced stage (IV) cancer. Patients received TTS-F for a period of 8 weeks. Doses ranged from 25 to 225 micrograms/h. Thirty-three patients completed the study. RESULTS: Data indicated statistically significant lower pain scores on both NRS and EORTC QLQ-C30 at all follow-ups compared to baseline. In addition, the vast majority of the patients found the transdermal system easy to use and reported as being satisfied or highly satisfied with it. The only observed side-effect was vomiting. CONCLUSION: In summary, transdermal fentanyl appeared an acceptable, safe and effective method of managing chronic pain induced by malignancies.