Howaida Saati
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia
Title: Patient experience and perception of chemotherapy in Saudi Arabia
Biography
Biography: Howaida Saati
Abstract
The overall aim of this research is to characterize the experience, knowledge and attitude with regard to cancer and chemotherapy among Saudi adult oncology patients, as well as the role of the oncology team, particularly oncology nurses, in supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy. We envisage that our findings will be beneficial for oncology nurses to enhance their understanding of patient needs and improve their practice by using a patient-centered approach to oncology services. Specific objectives of this study are to assess: (1) Patients’ understanding of the nature of their disease, their cancer diagnosis and treatment plan, (2) The influence of culture and religion on patients’ perception and acceptance of diagnosis and cancer treatment, (3) The level of family support throughout the chemotherapy treatment journey, (4) Patients’ experiences pre- and post-chemotherapy concerns, needs, communication preferences with an emphasis on the patient interaction with the oncology health team and (5) The role of oncology nurses in ensuring the overall quality of care and support needed by cancer patients before and after chemotherapy. This is an exploratory study assessing the experience, using questioner to explore the knowledge and attitudes of adult Saudi oncology patients with regard to their cancer diagnosis and treatment and highlighting the role of oncology nurses in supporting the patient experience of chemotherapy at Princess Nora Oncology Center, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study is used to guide healthcare professionals and in particular oncology nurses, in their approach for delivering care to cancer patients and establishing a patient-centered approach to oncology services.