Psychosocial problems and needs of patients undergone chemotherapy

Introduction: The study focused on problems and needs of patients undergone chemotherapy in terms of psychosocial functioning.

Aim: Assessment of demand for psychological help, changes in working lives, the use of alternative methods, needs to be informed and the hope of treatment.

Material and methods: The work was based on a survey conducted among patients undergone chemotherapy at The Department of Internal Medicine and Oncological Chemotherapy Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. A survey questionnaire was completed by 122 patients (84 women and 38 men) in the period from 11.2010 to 03.2011.

Results: Before the diagnosis to the affective and anxiety disorders suffered 30% of patients, after the diagnosis – 69% but only 10% of patients have benefited from the assistance of a psychologist/psychiatrist. 24% of those who did not said they had wanted to use it but they had not. As many as 45% of respondents had never heard of any of the supporting techniques; in practice applied them only 13% of patients. The alternative methods were used by 15% of respondents. The professional situation of 27% of respondents worsened after the diagnosis. 98% of patients are able to count on the support of friends/family. Attending physician is the most important source of information gave patients (97%).

Conclusions:

1. Oncological patients need holistic care including their psychological wants.

2. There is a necessity of education containing information about psychological methods of support and possibility of contact with ward psychologist.

3. The main source of information is for patients their attending physician.