Information needs of paediatric haematology and oncology patients

Abstract

Objective: Identifying and meeting the information needs of ill children is an important part of care that is often neglected. This study aimed to assess the pediatric hematology and oncology patients' information needs and their correlates.
Method: This descriptive study recruited a sample of 40 patients from a pediatric hematology and oncology ward of a tertiary health facility. Data was gathered using questionnaire survey and interviews.
Result: The patients significantly needed more information on understanding the type of illness they have, understanding how their illness will affect some areas of their lives, knowing the chances of surviving the illness (p<0.05). They however, significantly needed less information about dealing with the fear that they may die from their illness (p<0.05). A significant association was found between respondents' information needs with class in school (p<0.05), but no association was found with gender, age, anxiety or depression (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Healthcare providers should periodically assess the information needs of pediatric hematology and oncology patients and provide them with appropriate information based on their requests and tailored to their cognitive ability as defined by their class in school.

Key words: Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, Information needs, Ill children