2022 Volume 42 Pages 706-716
Aims: This study aims to clarify the specific nursing practices in outpatient departments of cancer nursing (ODCN) in Japan. ODCN refers to an outpatient department run by nursing staff in collaboration with doctors and other professionals for cancer patients and their families to improve symptoms associated with daily life and support self-management. Cancer consultation support centers were excluded.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to nurses in charge of ODCN at the 427 designated cancer care hospitals specified by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The questionnaire was mailed to each facility’s director of nursing with a request for it to be distributed to the nurse in charge of the ODCN. It included questions about the operational status of ODCN, frequency of nursing practices, and awareness of issues. This study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee.
Results: Of the 288 questionnaires returned (response rate of 67.4%), 116 were analyzed since 172 facilities do not have an ODCN. The ODCN are operated by qualified nurses, such as CNS in cancer nursing. Many are open daily and see patients by appointment. The ODCN nursing practice scale has a six-factor structure that includes “support for organizing the thoughts of patients and their families,” “cooperation with other departments to solve problems,” and “support for daily life under medical treatment.”
Conclusion: The specific nursing practices in ODCN included support for organizing the thoughts of patients and their families, and cooperation with other departments to solve problems.
