암환자의 약물요법에 대한 전반적인 이해도와 암성통증관리의 만족도 조사

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient's awareness about chemotherapy and the satisfaction about cancer pain management and to research the actual condition. This study was conducted through questionnaire of fifty outpatients and inpatients who received chemotherapy for one month from September to October 2003. As a result, only one patient was made a diagnosis as cancer by early medical examination, the rest of patients was diagnosed as cancer by subjective symptoms. 46% of the patients had positive thinking about alternative therapies and 36% of the patients answered used alternative therapies. Nobody knew drug interaction and side effects. Although patients took a pain management medicine, 20% of the patients experienced moderate pain. 78% of the patients was interfered with general activity, mood, walking, work, relationships and sleep despite use of analgesics. 20% of the patients took a pain management medicine at their discretion. The reason of it was fear about side effects and addiction. 74% of the patients answered satisfaction about pain management. The reason for satisfaction was that the pain was relieved after taking a pain management medicine. In conclusion, the research show that it is important to educate both patients and their family members about drug interaction information of alternative therapies and chemotherapy, and to correct patients false belief. To improve satisfaction of pain management and quality of life in cancer patients, we should educate patient about method of taking pain management medicine and misconceptions about opioids and analgesics.