“Individualized Care” From the Viewpoint of Turkish Patients and Oncology Nurses

Abstract

BackgroundCancer is a chronic disease that leads to major life changes for individuals because it affects physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. It is important that nursing care is able to respond to different individual needs regarding the challenges experienced by cancer patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the concept of individualized care as perceived by oncology patients and nurses working in oncology clinics.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical oncology clinic in Turkey. Participants were oncology nurses (n = 23) and cancer patients (n = 180) discharged after treatment. The data were collected using the Patient-Nurse Identification Form, Individualized Care Scale (ICS-A, ICS-B), and Individualized Care Scale-Nurse.ResultsNurses’ perceptions of individualized care were more positive than those of patients. Patients’ age, marital status, education level, income level, and disease characteristics did not have an effect on their awareness of interventions supporting their individuality or on their perceptions of individualized care. More years of employment in the nursing profession and in oncology had a positive effect on individualization of patient care.ConclusionPerceptual differences between patients and nurses exist; individualized care plans may be needed to minimize the differences.Implications for PracticeThese study outcomes can guide individualized care for cancer patients.

Effects of perioperative individualized nursing on elderly patients undergoing video‑assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

“…Using this individualized nursing model, patients were more likely to cooperate with and participate in the treatment, and as a result, the incidence of postoperative complications was lower, the length of hospital stay was shortened and patient satisfaction was significantly higher. The individualized nursing model supported patients in having a voice in their care, which required nurses to pay more attention to the patients' previous experiences and habits, and this was associated with improvements in nurses' problem-solving skills (24). However, individualized nursing increases the workload of nurses, which may have a negative impact on the support provided to patients.…”