Abstract:

The aim of this study was to identify the pre-discharge learning needs of cancer patients. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 patients treated in the oncology clinic. Data were obtained with a “Patient Descriptive Information Form” and the “Patient Learning Needs Scale”. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Linear Regression. The mean age of the patients was 40.94±4.25 years. In the study, it was determined that the mean total scale score of the patients was 188.41 ± 20.51. It was determined that the mean scores of all sub-dimensions of the scale were high(Medication: 35.78 ± 4.05, Activities of Life; 29.63 ± 2.88; Society and Follow-up; 19.40 ± 2.36; Emotions about the Situation; 18.17 ± 3.55, Treatment and Complications; 36.90 ± 3.00, Quality of Life; 34.15 ± 3.76, Skin Care; 16.38 ± 3.24). There were statistically significant differences between the total score and gender, age, education level, income status, diagnosis, and duration of disease (p<0.05). It was determined that the pre-discharge education needs of the patients were high. It is recommended to determine the patient learning needs of nurses before discharge and to plan and implement individual-specific trainings.

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