Unmet Needs in the Process of Chemotherapy Provision in Pancreatic Cancer Patients from the Healthcare Provider Perspective: A Phenomenological Study in Greece

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death overall, with 1.5 years life expectancy and minimal therapeutic progress in the last decades. Despite the burden it causes, there is little research on the needs of this specific population. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' views on providing care and patients' unsatisfied needs.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was carried out at a cancer hospital in Northern Greece. A total of 12 participants (6 physicians and 6 nurses), treating patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, were recruited through purposive sampling and underwent face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through the thematic analysis method in NVivo12 software.

Results

The analysis highlighted two themes: "needs of patients with pancreatic cancer" consisted of 6 subthemes ("daily activities", "symptoms management", "psychological support", "information needs", "multidisciplinary care" and "end-of-life care") and "needs of healthcare professionals" had 3 subthemes ("psychological support", "education" and "organizational support"). Several symptoms are identified and affect the daily activities of these patients, and psychological support is important for the majority of them, even at the time of diagnosis. The participants express dissatisfaction with the absence of palliative care structures and services and stated that an interdisciplinary approach would improve the quality of care.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals report a wide range of unsatisfied needs of patients with pancreatic cancer, with the majority expressing their concerns about the complete lack of patient support in the last stages of their lives.

Participation rates in cervical cancer screening: experience in rural Northern Greece

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality among women worldwide but it is one of the most preventable cancers due to the Pap smear test. The aim of this study was to estimate the participation rate of females in screening of cervical cancer with Pap smear test.

METHODS

The study took place in a hospital in Rural Northern Greece during April and May 2007. Convenience sampling was performed and questionnaires were completed by 214 eligible females aged 20-64 years.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty four (57.9%) of the participants had had a Pap-test at some point in their lifetime. 72 of them (33.65%) had the test performed for the first time according to current guidelines. 13.6% were unaware about the recommended onset age of the test, 16.4% did not know the proper intervals, while 22.4% did not know the recommended upper age limit. 32.6% were informed by mass media, family members and friends. The take-up rates, the source of information and the setting where the examination was performed were related to age, origin, income, educational status, type of occupation and place of residence. Disparities in participation rates were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Special efforts should be made by National Health Services towards enhancing secondary prevention of cervical cancer by increasing participation rates of older women, those with lower educational background, females with low income, Roma, retired or unemployed and residents of rural areas.

Analysis of fatal motor vehicle collisions: evidence from Central Macedonia, Greece

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with the traffic mortality in the region of Central Macedonia in order to produce evidence in building up preventive policies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a descriptive survey covering a three-year period (from 01-01-2006 to 31-12- 2008). The data used were supplied by the regional Road Traffic Police Service in Thessaloniki.

RESULTS

A total of 280 fatal vehicle collisions were recorded in three years, in which 312 people died. 266 (85.26%) of the 312 people who died were men and 46 (14.74%) were women. The victims were between 1 and 91 years of age (mean ± SD, 42.00 ± 20.36 years). More fatal vehicle collisions were recorded on weekends and holidays than weekdays. Regarding the type of the vehicle, occupants of two-wheeled motor vehicles were in greater risk for dying compared to heavy duty vehicle passengers, who are considered to be protected by the vehicle. Among the 312 fatalities, alcohol was detected in 87 (28%) of the drivers who were responsible for the collision. Most of them (56/86, 64.4%) were between 15 and 44 years of age. In 6 (1.9%) cases, all of them drivers, illicit substances were detected. Vehicle collisions with younger victims were recorded during the early morning hours, whereas older people died more frequently during daytime.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study are providing evidence for the design and implementation of concrete and urgently needed preventive strategies in order to control the almost completely preventable fatalities of the road crashes.