2020 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 199-211
Aim: This study aimed to clarify the implementation of a nursing assessment and the degree to which nurses recognize its importance for cancer patients before their first outpatient chemotherapy, and to verify factors, including workplace environment, related to psychological and social nursing assessment implementation.
Method: A questionnaire was administered to nurses in departments conducting outpatient chemotherapy in 500 randomized metropolitan hospitals. The physical, psychological, and social conditions of patients were compared for implementation of assessment and recognition of importance. Next, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis with psychological and social assessment as dependent variables was conducted.
Result: Of 2500 questionnaires mailed, 317 valid responses from 120 hospitals were returned. The implementation of assessment for psychological and social aspects was significantly lower than for physical aspects. The recognition of its importance for all three aspects was high. The result of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, found that "Having independent chemotherapy room" and "many years of experience of outpatient chemotherapy" were significantly correlated after controlling for the independent variables of nurse-related and hospital-related factors. When all factors were added to the model, "the high degree of recognition of assessment importance" and "setting time to talk with patients" were significantly correlated. "prepared manual," "having study meeting," "dedicated chemotherapy," were significantly correlated limited to implementation of assessment for social aspects.
Conclusion: Nurse's implemented psychological and social assessments for outpatient chemotherapy significantly less than physical assessments. The implementation rate of nursing assessment can possibly be facilitated by improving the workplace environment.
