Aims:
Family has a strong influence on the health of individuals, providing support in a health crisis and a buffering from the pressures of society during illness. However, family functioning and perceptions vary across different cultural groups and settings. This study aimed to investigate the needs of adult oncology patients and their families in Australia and Denmark. The study explored changes to patient and family functioning when a member is receiving oncology care; and family perceptions of how nurses could best meet their needs.
Methods:
A descriptive, cross sectional design was used. Patients and their family members from the Odense University Hospital Oncology Unit in Denmark (n=50+100 family); and Gold Coast Hospital Oncology Unit in Australia (n=50+100 family) will be recruited. The survey includes the ICE Family Perceived Support Questionnaire (ICE-FPSQ), ICE Expressive Family Functioning Questionnaire (ICE-EFFQ), Family Hardiness Index (FHI), and Family Crisis Orientated Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES).
Results:
Preliminary results of 69 participants represent equal numbers of patients / family members, male / female, mean age 55 years. Participants are predominantly from Denmark (80%) [Ethics clearance earlier] and 86% were treated in day oncology. Cancer types were 30% breast, 17% lung, 13% colon, 9% haematological, 26% other. There were strong correlations between all scales. Patients reported lower sense of control in FHI than family; and females reported higher levels of emotional support needs than males according to ICE-FPSQ.
Conclusion:
The preliminary results suggest differences in the needs of patients and their family, and gender. Early analysis suggests no difference between cultural settings. Differences in education level between the countries may influence information needs however more Australian data needs to be collected. The findings will inform the development of appropriate family nursing models of assessment and care that are acceptable and applicable across different cultures, disease stages and recovery.