The fulfilment and importance of the needs of patients with cancer and advanced chronic disease in palliative care

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: The study population consisted of patients with advanced chronic disease and cancer patients admitted either to cancer wards or a hospice. The study period was from January 2023 to May 2023. A valid and reliable tool, the Patients’ Needs Assessment in Palliative Care, was used to assess the needs of patients. The total number of respondents was 126.

Results: Physical needs are most important to patients with advanced chronic illness. Autonomy needs are most important to cancer patients. For patients with advanced chronic illness, the highest level of needs fulfilment was in the area of social needs. The highest rate of fulfilment for cancer patients was in the area of social needs.

Conclusion: Needs assessment of patients in palliative care is essential since it allows healthcare professionals to better understand the individual needs of patients in their final phase of life.