[The waiting room experience in an Oncology - ematology Day Hospital: a qualitative investigation].

INTRODUCTION: "What was once considered an incurable disease has in many cases become a disease that can be cured or, in any case, a disease patients can live with: It is becoming more and more frequently a chronic illness that allows affected people to have an active and satisfactory life" (I numeri del cancro in Italia 2017, Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Medica). As such, the patient suffering from cancer needs important care, often undergoing daily hospitalization. At the same time, as the daily experience shows, waiting for blood withdrawal, oncology visit and therapy administration causes anxiety, stress and frustration that can compromise the quality of life and adherence to therapies. The aim of this survey is to investigate the experience of patients waiting their turn in the waiting room of an Oncology-Hematology Day Hospital in an Italian Cancer Center. METHODS: The survey was conducted using a semi-structured interview with open and closed questions. Partecipants: We considered a convenience sample of 36 patients admitted to the Oncology -Hematology Day Hospital of a Milan Research Medical Center. RESULTS: The analysis of the collected interviews shows that the waiting room experience involves a considerable number of sensations that can alter the psycho-physical balance of the patient. A prolonged waiting in an uncomfortable room is associated with negative emotions such as discomfort and fear. CONCLUSIONS: The achieved results show the need to make the waiting less stressful by paying particular attention to the various observed issues. In particular a more comfortable and adequate environment for different age groups can better respond to patient needs. Also, it is necessary to reduce the waiting room crowding, establishing defined paths and controlled accesses.