The Appearance Care for Patients Who Undergo Cancer Therapy: Current Status, Issues, and Training Needs of Nurses

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify the current status, issues, and training needs of nurses in terms of the appearance care for patients who undergo cancer therapy. Methods: Self-administered anonymous surveys were mailed to a total of 2,025 nurses. Potential respondents included five nurses who work at various departments in all the 400 Designated Regional Cancer Centers and Hospitals in Japan, or who accessed the Appearance Care Research Network website voluntarily and registered for study participation. Survey items included demographics and the 94 items concerning appearance care for changes associated with cancer therapy. The data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to identify correlates of the provision of appearance care. Textual responses were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed. Results: Seven hundred and twenty six (35.9%) usable responses were returned. The respondents had a mean age of 42.5 (a range of 24 through 62) years. As a result of the survey, 93 out of 94 care items were carried out by respondents. Correlates of healthcare professionals’ appearance care provision included “collecting information from various sources” and “having confidence in providing care.” Seventeen categories of issues related to appearance care were created, including various items such as “appearance care is not standardized, and recognition level is different between healthcare professionals.” Discussion: Based upon the identified issues and needs of this study, an effective training program will be developed for healthcare professionals who provide appearance care for patients undergoing cancer therapy.