Evaluation of side effects in cancer patients during oncological care: A project of the supportive care group of the tumor center Berlin
e20715 Background: The therapeutic options in tumour treatment protocols include a maximum of tumour cell reduction and at the same time a minimum of side effects in order to secure a good quality of life for the cancer patient. Temporary side effects have been accepted in relation to the benefit risk calculation. A questionnaire for cancer patients was developed to improve the management of side effects of the cancer treatment, to optimize the patient-doctor communication and to register individual problems of the patient. Methods: Cancer patients received a questionnaire with 25 items and were asked for their problems during or after the last tumour specific treatment before having the consultation with the doctor. Gender, age, Karnofsky-index and treatment protocol were additional registered. During September 2007 until December 2007 a total of 272 questionnaires could be collected. The qualitative items have been evaluated with the contigens table method and the parameter free x2 test (Chi-Square-Test). Results: More than 50% of the patients documented additional important points influencing their well being. Nearly all of the evaluated patients had some tumour therapy specific side effects. The most pronounced problem was the physical exhaustion in 71% of the evaluated patients. More than 50% were influenced in their quality of life by more than normal fatigue since the start of their tumour specific therapy. Significant differences could be evaluated in relation to the age, diagnosis and tumour therapy with respect to the symptoms. Conclusions: The questionnaire was be found to be a good method to improve the communication between the patient and the doctor. It was easier to point out individual problems for the patient. The care givers can focus more precisely on important side effects of the tumour specific therapy in order to improve the quality of life of the treated patient. No significant financial relationships to disclose.