Cancer patient factors influencing their perception on nursing care: a study at a national referral hospital In Kenya

Abstract

Background: Perceptions on nursing care are key to improving the quality of care delivered to patients by nurses. Oncology Nurses should be aware of cancer patient factors that are likely to influence their perception of the care they receive in the ward. The study explored factors that are likely to influence perception on both physical and psychosocial care among cancer patients admitted in oncology wards at Kenyatta national Hospital. Methodology: The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample size was 91 patients who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The target population were adult patients (both males and females) aged 18 years and above admitted in oncology wards(GFD and 8C) at KNH , with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and who had received care for at least 48 hours. Data collection tool was a standardized researcher administered, semi structured questionnaire and Likert scale. Results: Residence and hospital length of stay affected positively the perception on nursing care at p =0.022 and p=0.004 respectively. Cancer Patients 92.3% (84) had high expectations on nursing care. There was a significant association between patient expectation with perception on physical nursing care, p=0.028. Conclusion: Cancer patients’ demographic characteristics, illness related characteristics and expectations on nursing care, had a positive association with their perceptions on nursing care offered in the ward. Recommendation: Oncology nurses should consider patient factors that are likely to affect their perception on nursing care to be able to deliver quality care that is satisfying to the patient.