The investigation of the unmet supportive care needs of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in an ambulatory-care setting in the context of age

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the unmet supportive care needs of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy in the context of age. This descriptive study was carried out with 186 patients whom aged 65 years and over and 93 patients under 65 years old who received outpatient chemotherapy at the Daytime Treatment Unit of Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital. Both groups were matched for gender, type of cancer, and chemotherapy protocols they were receiving. The data were collected using the "Patient Information Form" and the "Short Form of Supportive Care Needs Scale". Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Bonferroni correction. In the study, the median of the Supportive Care Needs Scale of the participants was found to be 1.92 and it was found that they indicated needs in daily life needs and health care and information needs subscales. We determined that young participants reported sexuallity needs and health care and information needs subscale more than old partipicants. As a result of our study, we suggest that should be conduct more research about patients supportive care needs may differ according to age of the patient that aim for raise awareness of health professionals who care for old patients and the health professionals who care for old patients consider that elderly patient may have problems about their needs. Key words: Assessment of Healthcare Needs; Cancer Care Facilities; Chemotherapy; Health Services Needs and Demand; Unmet needs