Does Uro-Oncology Nursing Education Decrease the need for Out of Home Care following Radical Cystectomy? An Observational Study

Abstract

Objective: Our aim is to evaluate the effects of uro-oncology nursing education program on quality of life, general health status and the need for out of home care following radical cystectomy Materials and methods: The datas of 60 patients who were underwent radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer and followed up between January 2013 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. We have prepared a special education program for our nurses about uro-oncological surgeries and the follow-up process since January 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: 28 patients before nursing education and 32 patients after nursing education. We compared the patient satisfaction, the quality of health care given to the patients by nurses and the requirement of need for out of home care following discharge in the periods before and after nursing education. Results: Although uro-oncology nursing education did not affect the rates of deterioration in activities of daily living, satisfaction rates of the patients and their relatives were observed as significantly higher in the period of following the Uro-Oncology Nursing Education Program (90.6% vs. 71.4%, p=0.04). The decline in anxiety/depression (28.1% vs. 53.6%, p=0.04) in this period was attributed to the nursing education. The patients and their relatives felt themselves better and in confidence about coping with undesirable problems related to cystectomy. Parallel to this situation, the need for out of home care such as skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities were seen significantly lower following uro-oncology nursing education (28.1% vs. 64.3%, p=0.005). Conclusion: The standardization of uro-oncology nursing care practices will provide better relief of symptoms related major uro-oncologic surgeries such as radical cystectomy and increase health related quality of life. It may contribute to declines of out of home care requirement.