A Counseling Room Approach to Improve the Quality of Life of Cervical Cancer Patients at an Apex Hospital of North India

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a dreaded disease, feared by most. Cervical cancer in particular is more distressing as the organs involved are associated with femininity, sexuality and fertility. Once a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer she has to face physical, psychosocial consequences as well as side effects of therapy. Quality of life on a whole is disturbed. This can be improved through counseling. However the wellness aspect of such patients has been ignored. In crowded Gynecology/Radiotherapy OPDs, doctors are not in a position to optimally counsel cancer patients. This compromises the quality of care. Therapy-related queries of patients and caregivers may remain unanswered. Objectives: To develop and validate a counseling protocol for cervical cancer patients and their caregivers. Methods: Pattern and profile of gynecological cancers was determined by taking retrospective data of five years (2012–2016). An information booklet was developed to counsel cancer patients and their care givers through review of literature and pilot surveys. Problems faced by cervical cancer patients (n=10) during and after treatment were noted. Case studies (using semi-structured interview schedules) were done until saturated responses were obtained. The booklet was then validated by expert judges (n=10) and patients. Results: At PGIMER, a total of 3973 patients (2012–2016) of gynecological cancers got admitted. Majority patients were of cervical cancer (63%). A definite information gap was seen amongst cervical cancer patients and their care givers. Based on these findings, it was decided to provide information to them in a special counseling room (using information booklet) where their queries were successfully resolved. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to establish a special room in hospitals where cancer patients and their care givers can be counseled to improve their quality of life.