Determining the satisfaction levels of the family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer

Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the satisfaction levels of family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in the palliative care and medical oncology clinics of a university hospital in the province of Izmir between April of 2011 and January of 2012. The study sample consisted of a total of 145 family members, who were selected from among the family members of patients with advanced-stage cancer receiving palliative treatment. The study data were obtained using the Patient Description Form and Family Satisfaction Scale during face-to-face interviews with patients. Results: Some 67% of patients were female and 33% male, 70% were married, 35% were high school graduates, and 34.5% were housewives. The average total family satisfaction score was 76.87 +/- 1.14, and the average scores for the component variables were as follows: information giving 74.37 +/- 1.28, availability of care 78.40 +/- 1.17, physical care 78.99 +/- 1.09, and psychosocial care 74.52 +/- 1.30. We found a relationship between the level of satisfaction of family members and (1) gender, (2) occupation, (3) presence of someone supporting the care, and (4) possession of sufficient information about the patient (p < 0.05). Significance of Results: Satisfaction levels of participants were determined to be high. We found that family member satisfaction levels were affected by gender and occupation, the existence of someone supporting the care, and possession of sufficient information about the patient.