IMPLEMENTATION OF SELF-CARE SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY TO ENHANCE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Introduction: The Self-care Symptom Management (SSM) is educational guidelines with the goal of  enhancing patients' self-care abilities to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate self-care guidelines for symptom management of patient with caner receiving chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life (QOL). Methods: The study adopts a quasi-experimental design, with one group as pre and post intervention tests. The study was conducted in a public hospital in Port Said, Egypt, on 100 cancer patients. The tools of data collection were an interview questionnaire form to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics for studied cases, assessment of knowledge and reported practice related to cancer and chemotherapy sheet. The patients were given information regarding the side effects of chemotherapy with an outline of symptom management strategies by researchers. The extent of the severity of side effects of chemotherapy and the management of symptoms were assessed using both the therapy-related symptom checklist and the self-care method. The QOL of patients is measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: The commonest side effects of chemotherapy included: hair loss (84%), nausea (91%), vomiting (81%), fatigue (85%), and pain (82%). Self- care guidelines is effective on alleviating side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life. Conclusion: Knowledge of the side effects of chemotherapy and self-care management is essential for patients with cancer. The study recommended the importance of teaching methodology for symptom management. This is not only to ameliorate a patient's affliction but also to optimize their quality of life during the period of chemotherapy course.