What are the palliative care needs of cancer patients in Romania? A cross-sectional survey.

Aim: to identify the Palliative Care (PC) needs of oncological patients across Romania. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study, the instrument for collecting the data being the questionnaire for PC needs identification in the "Guide for basic PC" structured on 6 domains: symptoms, communication, decision making, spiritual needs, end of life issues and family needs. The distribution of the questionnaires has been made through the participant nurses in PC specialty educational programs available in Romania. The data has been analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: The questionnaire has been completed between November 2018 and May 2019 by 480 oncological patients and has identified the PC needs of oncological patients in Romania. Those patients need enhanced communication in order to better understand and cope with the diagnosis and its progression. Among symptoms, fatigability is reported by patients to be the most frequent and intensive. Most patients express fears about the end of life and the need for finding peace. The results are arguments that are meat to motivate professionals at enhancement of communication, addressing psycho-emotional and spiritual issues. Conclusions: Needs of oncological patients in Romania are the same as the needs of oncological patients everywhere. The need for communication in order to better understand the diagnosis and prognosis is universal. The presence of multiple symptoms at the same time is common. A thoughtful evaluation of physical symptoms and the acquiring of the necessary abilities for psycho-emotional and spiritual support are a must among the knowledges and skills of professionals caring for oncological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]