The effects of uro-oncology nursing education on quality of life in patients with prostate cancer

Objective: Our aim is to evaluate the effects of uro-oncology nursing education program on quality of life, general health status and cancer related well-being conditions in patients with prostate cancer. Materials and methods:The datas of 194 patients with prostate cancer who were treated and followed up between January 2013 and June 2017 were retrospectively evaluated.We achieved Uro-Oncology Nursing Education Program in our department with regular weekly trainings after January 2015.Patients were divided into two groups: 92 patients before Nursing Education and 102 patients after Nursing Education.We compared the satisfaction rates of patients and evaluated the quality of health care given to the patients by nurses in the periods before and after Nursing Education.Results: Although the numbers of patients with metastatic stage and the rates of hypertension, gynecomastia, osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass were significantly higher in the period following the initiation of the Uro-Oncology Nursing Education Program, we observed that the satisfaction rates of the patients and their relatives were significantly higher in this period (94.1% vs. 82.6%,p=0.012).Moreover, the patients and their relatives felt themselves more confident in coping with prostate cancer in parallel with the increased awareness of the nurses on "Uro-Oncology Nursing Education Program" (p<0.01). Conclusion:The standardization of uro-oncology nursing care practices in worldwide will develop the evidence-based medicine by providing more alleviation of symptoms related prostate cancer and increasing quality of life in patients.