Patients' sensory experiences before, during and immediately following the administration of intravenous chemotherapy

Preparatory sensory information is essential for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Accurate sensory information prepares them for the sounds, sights, and sensations that they will encounter before during, and after treatment. This study investigates and describes the sensory perceptions and coping styles of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and compares the results with those reported from studies conducted in the USA. The data were collected through telephone interviews using the Sensory Information Questionnaire (Rhodes et al 1994). Following the presentation of the findings, the article concludes by making recommendations to reduce patients' anxiety during outpatient administration of chemotherapy.