title: The opinion of Greek parents on the advantages and disadvantages of the outpatient pediatric oncology setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess parental opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of a pediatric oncology outpatient setting in comparison to the inpatient oncology ward.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample of the study consisted of 104 parents whose children were diagnosed and treated for pediatric cancer. The survey took place at the Pediatric Oncology Wards, as well as their respective outpatient settings of the two General Children's Hospitals in Athens, Greece from May 2010 to August 2010.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to parents' view the outpatient setting was preferable due to the maintenance keeping of their daily routine (x(2) = 75.9, p = 0.000), maintaining the family life (x(2) = 90.1, p = 0.000) and young patients' participation in activities (x(2) = 25.6, p = 0.000). Moreover, young patients were more happy, less anxious and less scared when they were attending in the daily clinic (x(2) = 25.9, p = 0.000).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to parents' view, the outpatient setting has many advantages. The judgment of children and parents on the services offered by the Pediatric Oncology Unit overall, in both inpatient and outpatient setting can give the necessary feedback to improve the qualitative provided care.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, National & Kapodestrian University of Athens, 123 Papadiamantopoulou Str, GR 11527 Athens, Greece. Electronic address: vmatziou@nurs.uoa.gr.
authors.forename: Vasiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Matziou
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Servitzoglou
authors.forename: Efrosini
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vlahioti
authors.forename: Haralampia
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deli
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Matziou
authors.forename: Efstathia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Megapanou
authors.forename: Pantelis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perdikaris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult