Assesment of quality of nursing care on rectal cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiochemiotherapy

Introduction. The development of civilization leads to increased incidence of malignant diseases, including rectal cancer. As a consequence
these are increasing demands for staff specialized in providing comprehensive medical care for patients suffering from the cancer. The
quality of patient’s life depends on the manners of nursing care during adjuvant treatment.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was evaluation of nursing care quality on rectal cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiochemiotherapy
and assessment of patients’ satisfaction from medical care provided.

Material and methods. The study was undertaken in 32 rectal cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiochemiotherapy in Department of Radiotherapy
I and II of Comprehensive Cancer Center in Białystok. The method of survey was a diagnostic poll with a specially constructed questionnaire.

Results and conclusions. The patients assessed medical care provided by nurses as good, realized in efficient and professional manner.
They paid attention to positive relation between them and nurses and emphasize their readiness to offer psychological support. The lack of
information concerning treatment side effects and proceeding after the treatment was revealed. The results of the study indicate the necessity
of providing patients with health education that enable them to take a better care of themself. Moreover patients’ families should be
provided with psychological and educational support about treatment because of their significant contribution in the healing process.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (3): 378–385