The satisfaction level in cases with gynecologic cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction in gynecological cancer patients and to increase the awareness of the disease in the community. This descriptive study was carried out on 280 patients treated at our Gynecological Oncology Center between May 2018 and January 2019. As a data collection tool, descriptive information and satisfaction questionnaire were prepared by the researchers based on the literature and the demographic parameters of the patients were asked. In the analysis of the data: descriptive statistics, t test, Mann Whitney U Test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used in SPSS 25.0 statistical program. It was understood that 51.4% of the participants did not hear this type of cancer before being diagnosed. It was learned that 61.4% of the participants did not have any routine screening program against cervical and/ or breast cancer. 42.1% of the participants did not know the tests and 39.3% of them did not know that they did not have access. 85.7% of the cancer patients who participated in the study received the disease-related diagnosis from the gynecologist. 33.4% of the patients stated that it took a long time to diagnose. 46.4% of the patients stated that they had not been informed by the doctor about their illness and options. In addition, 49.3% of the patients were not satisfied with the approach taken in this information and 50.7% wanted to obtain more effective and comprehensive information. Patients’ expectations from the doctors are more understanding, better communication with the patient, receiving emotional support, and decision-making about the disease and treatment is also the time for the doctor to support the patient, to respect him, to spend more time. The patients think that the health personnel have difficulty in giving information about the treatment process and its side effects, the likelihood of recurrence of the disease, the effects of the disease on the psychological state, prognosis, how long the treatment will take and what the disease is and why. For this reason, patients feel themselves lacking. It is important for health personnel to inform the patient, to listen to the patient and to support them in all stages of the disease and treatment, and to support the survival of this chronic disease. © 2019 OMU