"Individualized Care" From the Viewpoint of Turkish Patients and Oncology Nurses

Background Cancer is a chronic disease that leads to major life changes for individuals because it affects physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. It is important that nursing care is able to respond to different individual needs regarding the challenges experienced by cancer patients. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the concept of individualized care as perceived by oncology patients and nurses working in oncology clinics. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical oncology clinic in Turkey. Participants were oncology nurses (n = 23) and cancer patients (n = 180) discharged after treatment. The data were collected using the Patient-Nurse Identification Form, Individualized Care Scale (ICS-A, ICS-B), and Individualized Care Scale-Nurse. Results Nurses' perceptions of individualized care were more positive than those of patients. Patients' age, marital status, education level, income level, and disease characteristics did not have an effect on their awareness of interventions supporting their individuality or on their perceptions of individualized care. More years of employment in the nursing profession and in oncology had a positive effect on individualization of patient care. Conclusion Perceptual differences between patients and nurses exist; individualized care plans may be needed to minimize the differences. Implications for Practice These study outcomes can guide individualized care for cancer patients.