Evaluation by visiting nurse in end-stage cancers--family questionnaire for patients who died after visiting nurse
Maeda, M.; Naito, A.; Sekiya, Y.; Watanabe, M.; Maruyama, Y.; Sasaki, J.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 24 Suppl. 4: 533-536
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 9429561 Document Number: 483143
Since April 1994, we have provided visiting nurse care for patients with end-stage of cancers. A questionnaire was sent to 72 families of patients who died of cancer and who received after visiting nurse care. The response rate to the questionnaire was 76.4% (55 patients). One group of 27 patients died at home (Group A), and the other group of 28 patients died in the hospital (Group B). Patients who knew they had cancer accounted for 85.2% in Group A, and 57.1% in Group B. Of all patients, 69.1% desired home nursing, with 77.8% in Group A, and 60.7% in Group B. The satisfaction of families with the visiting nurse was evaluated. In Group A, satisfaction was 66.7% and relative satisfaction was 18.5%. In Group B, satisfaction was 50.0% and relative satisfaction was 25.0%. Satisfaction of patients with the place of death was 81.5% in Group A, and 35.7% in Group B. Many families wished to have the nurse visit 2 times a week, and an hour at each visit. The great mental burden on the families who provide home care for patients with terminal cancer was clear for the questionnaire. Arrangement for a support system for patients and families, through visiting nurse services, is necessary in our hospital.