Małgorzata Lewandowska

Evaluation of the psychological state of patients with advanced cancer and the impact of support on their emotional condition

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients psychological state in the advanced stage of cancerous disease and to assess the effect of sustenance provided by the nursing personnel upon the emotional state of the patient. Material and methods The study group comprised 46 subjects treated in palliative care medical wards in Łódź. The data were collected in accordance with the HADS-M questionnaire as well as a self-developed survey. The information obtained was analysed by means of Pearson χ2 test. Results The results obtained indicate that most subjects undergo mood aggravation. 76.2% of patients were diagnosed with depressive states. Only 19.6% of the population under investigation showed no signs of anxiety states. The study demonstrates irritation to be yet another unfavourable emotional state coupled with the advanced stage of cancerous disease with as few as 4.4% (4.2%) respondents claiming not to suffer any such symptoms. The patients highly prize the support they receive and it notably improved their well-being. Social support is essential in the advanced stage of the disease. Less severe mental disorders were noted in people who have received all kinds of support.

Ethical attitude in the opinion of pediatric nurses

Abstract Introduction. Behaviour according to the ethical principles is meaningful for shaping of nurses’ ethical and professional attitude. Contact between the nurse and the sick child requires an ethical model and professional attitude, excellent politeness and sensitivity. Aim. Assessment of ethical attitudes in the opinion of pediatric nurses. Material and method. Research was conducted among 133 nurses working in two hospitals in Łodz: in the Clinical Hospital No. 4 of Medical University and in the Institute of Polish Mother’s Health Center. The study used questionnaire of own design. Pearson correlation index determination was used for statistical analysis of the results. Results and conclusions. More than half examined nurses (63.4%) was able to give a correct definition of professional ethics. The nursing profession was not connected only with earnings in the opinion of 86.4% nurses. Most respondents (56.8%) have admitted that nurses not always behave ethically. Too low salary was the most often mentioned reason (67%) for not ethical behaviour. High sense of responsibility and patience are the main features which mus distinguish the nurse. More than half of the respondents would choose this profession again. Participants claimed most often (95.5%) that nurses should deepen their knowledge permanently, but not everyone even in this group, does it.