Effect of Nursing Care Instructions on Outcomes of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University ,Egypt

2 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Suez Canal University, Egypt

3 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing , Zagazig University ,Egypt

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and effective first-line treatment modality in
patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is important to improve patient
outcome include fewer delays, earlier discharge, decrease readmission, effective, efficient,
consistent care, and communication. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nursing
care instructions on outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing
radiofrequency ablation therapy. Design: A quasi experimental design was used. Setting:
This study was conducted at radiofrequency department in Oncology Hospital and internal
medicine outpatient clinic, affiliated to Ismailia University Hospitals, Egypt. Sample: A
purposive sample of 60 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; 30 randomly allocated to each
group study and control. Tools:1) Patients' interview questionnaire (pre/post-tests), (2
Hepatocellular carcinoma patient outcome indicators (posttest). Results: There were a highly
statistically significant differences between both groups regarding pain, anxiety level, nausea,
vomiting, retching, and post procedure complications (P≤ 0.001).There was a positive
correlation coefficient between total level of anxiety and total severity of pain among study
group patients post-nursing care instructions (r= .580 at P≤ 0.01). Conclusion: The
implementation of nursing care instructions for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
undergoing RFA therapy had a statistically significant positive effect on improving study
group patients' outcomes versus to control group, which supported the stated hypothesis.
Recommendations: Further training programs about RFA therapy for patients should be held
on a large number of subjects for evidence of results and generalization.

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