Improving the care of cancer patients: holistic needs assessment.
This discussion paper presents a review of holistic needs assessments (HNAs) in the care of patients with cancer. HNAs entail a structured review of patient needs as articulated by the patient. This discussion then leads to a care plan grounded in issues pertinent to that patient. Despite policy guidance advocating its use, there are barriers to overcome in order to integrate HNAs into routine care. This article discusses what role communication skills and clinician confidence may have on the use of HNAs in practice, and suggests a strategy to support HNAs becoming the norm.
Research Assistant, Institute Health, Nursing & Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland.
Jenny
J
Young
Audrey
A
Cund
Marian
M
Renshaw
Angela
A
Quigley
Austyn
A
Snowden
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*
Communication; Confidence; Needs assessment; Organisational culture; Patient-centred care; Quality of life