Abstract CN49
Background
The inclusion of psychosocial oncology in conventional cancer care remains diversely implemented and limited, with continued adherence to a predominantly biomedical approach. Most psychosocial problems are not addressed adequately or at all in the nursing documentation. Even nurses with experience are insecure. Nurses feel uneasy when it comes to psychooncological care because they do not know how to approach the issue.The aim of this study was to examine the opinions of Croatian oncology nurses about the need and the importance of psychooncological nursing care, as well as identifying and determining differences in opinions.
Methods
Study was conducted via online research-designed survey. Survey contained 14 questions; socio – demographic questions, questions about place, method of work, and about nurse’s perspective of psychooncology. Institutional ethics board approval was obtained.
Results
There were a total of 39 respondents, with an average age of 36 years. Most of the respondents have BSc. Average work experience of oncology nurses is 14 years. All oncology nurses believe that patients during their stay in the hospital have a need to meet psychological needs. Most of them define psychooncological nursing as a part of oncology nursing care focused on individualized psychological support for oncology patients. Also, they think that they should identify a patient’s psychosocial problems with conversation, evidence – based interventions, education, and holistic approach. All respondents believe that there is a need for specialized education in psychooncology nursing. Barriers in providing psychooncological nursing care include lack of education, staff and time, work overload, fear and patient resilience.
Conclusions
Nurses in Croatia have little opportunity to learn about the psychological care that needs to be provided. Due to the existing hierarchy, a lack of interest in providing psychological care, lack of education, time and staff, as well as communication issues, psychooncology care is usually not an obvious aspect of nursing care. Obstacles of oncology nurses in recognizing psychosocial problems in patients include lack of knowledge, and lack of privacy for talking to patients about their problems.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.