Learning Needs of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

Abstract

To define the learning needs of patients with gynecological oncology. The study was performed as a descriptive study. A total of 92 patients were participated. Data were collected using Patient Learning Needs Scale (PLNS). The Pearson correlation test, independent sample t test, and analysis of one-way of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's-B post hoc tests were used for statistical analyses by the SPSS 15.0 software package. The mean age of women's was 50.37 ± 12.20 years. The women's diagnoses were cervical (45.7 %), ovarian (27.2 %), and endometrial (19.6 %) cancers. The most frequently stated learning needs topics were coping with pain (47.8 %), daily living activities (46.2 %), and psychological support (44.6 %). The mean PLNS score of women was 212.56 ± 35.83. The mean subscales scores of PLNS were 34.06 ± 7.29 for medicines, 38.34 ± 6.74 for daily living activities, and 24.68 ± 5.41 for community subscales. Women who graduated from elementary school needed more education than the women with higher education (p < 0.001). Learning needs level of the women are high and related to increase quality of life, medicine usage, complications of treatment, skin problems, pain management, and supportive care. As a healthcare professional, we should plan and develop educational programs in order to adequately inform patients about their learning needs.

Gaining insight into the supportive care needs of women experiencing gynaecological cancer: A qualitative study

“…Two recent Turkish studies reported on the needs of women with gynaecological cancer, revealing a high prevalence of symptoms and unmet palliative care needs (Akkuzu et al, 2018; Seven, Sahin, Yilmaz, & Akyuz, 2016). Akkuzu et al (2018) also identified that women required knowledge on pain management, daily living activities and psychological support. Further international quantitative studies have focused on specific gynaecological cancer subgroups or on the needs of caregivers (Beesley et al, 2017).…”

Recruiting Endometrial Cancer Survivors to Studies Examining Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

“…Other potential issues affecting recruitment may include the stigma associated with EC diagnosis, the experience of treatment-related side effects and embarrassment regarding their functional capacity. Importantly, ECS also frequently report the need for resources to help them deal with pain [1] and that pain can impact their ability to remain in lifestyle studies [21]. Interestingly, a recent study found ECS who were exercisers had lower levels of co-morbidity and were more likely to report that feeling better physically and emotionally rather than reducing the risk of disease was the important outcome of exercise[13], which may be useful for care providers trying to educate these women in future approaches.…”

“…A significant concern given that evidence from a recent systematic review indicates that inactivity is highly correlated with worse QOL, and even more so for obese ECS [2]. Not surprisingly, gynecologic cancer survivors most frequently report learning needs for coping with pain, daily living activities and psychosocial support [1]. Unfortunately, ECS generally do not engage in lifestyle change of their own accord [20, 25].…”

Screening for distress in women with gynaecological cancer: Adaptation of the distress thermometer for gynaecological oncology patients

“…People with cancer face a range of common concerns such as the symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment effects (Akkuzu et al, 2018;Beaver & Booth, 2007;Papadakos et al, 2012), fear of recurrence and difficulty communicating with others about their cancer (Papadakos et al, 2012). However, women with gynaecological cancer also report a range of more specific treatment-related concerns.…”