Assessment of the health needs of cancer patients for formulating standards

The aim of the study was the documentation of the health needs of cancer patients and the measurement of the degree of satisfaction of care in their clinical setting, in two big general hospitals in Crete, Greece. 140 patients (69 men and 71 women) were selected with random sampling, average age 62 years, in March 2005 and the Needs Evaluation Questionnaire was used. The main group of needs was informational, concerning their future condition (71%), more explanations on treatments (61%) and more information about exams they were undergoing (59%). The second group of needs concerned the patient family relations (49%). The least reported needs were; to talk with a priest (16%), psychologist (22%) and the need for more assistance in daily activities (16%). The patients reported satisfaction from the nursing staff care (78%). Women in comparison with men were reported to have significantly more need for financial help (42 to 27%, p60, p 250 km away, p60 μήνες, από 50 σε 16%, p250 χλμ, 43 έναντι 11%, p