The Acceptability and Feasibility of Routine Use of Validated Cancer Symptom Assessment Instruments Among Patients and Nurses in the Oncology Ward at Princess Marina Hospital, in Gaborone, Botswana

This cross-sectional study evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of oncology nurses using validated cancer symptom assessment instruments to assess symptom burden. A consecutive sample of cancer patients and oncology ward nurses at a hospital in Gaborone, Botswana, was used. Patients' symptom burden was assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale–Short Form and the Visual Analog Scale-Pain, and patient- and nurse-acceptability data were assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Intervention Rating Profile. Rates of participation, assessment length of time, and rates of completed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale–Short Form and Visual Analog Scale-Pain determined feasibility. The sample included 124 patients (female, 84) and 20 nurses (female, 14). The mean (SD) Client Satisfaction Questionnaire score was 30.1 (2.8; minimum-maximum, 19-32), and the mean (SD) Intervention Rating Profile score was 86.8 (4.3; minimum-maximum, 74-90). There was a significant difference in the scores of the Intervention Rating Profile between preassessment (mean [SD], 80.1 [6.0]) and postassessment (mean [SD], 86.8 [4.3]; t19 = −4.853, P
Source: Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: International Series Source Type: research