Evaluarea nevoilor de îngrijiri paliative la pacientele cu cancer de col uterin | [Assesing palliative care needs in patients with cervix cancer]

Abstract

Romania has in Europe the highest cancer mortality rate. The present study through qualitative research using a semistructured interview with 17 patients is aiming to highlight the palliative care needs of women with cervix cancer. The thematic analysis shows the reluctance of patients to use the word cancer. Identified needs are multiple: physical (lymphedema, bleeding, infection, pain, and anorexia), communication (diagnosis, empathic listening), psycho-emotional (insomnia, depression), relational (loneliness), existential (finding meaning, finding faith) and support the idea of including palliative care in the mainstream health care system.