The purpose of this study was to determine how nurses recognize the need for supportive care ofadvanced cancer patients and to provide preliminary data on how adequate circumstances are to be set upand maintained in Korea. For the purpose of this study, we developed a preliminary questionnaire basedon a focus group of 8 nurses run by a clinical psychologist and administered it to 228 nurses in a cancerhospital, over a 3-month period. Participants of this study were nurses with more than 5 years’ experienceof treating advanced cancer patients. The result showed that 207 respondents (90.8%) agreed that a smoothcommunication system for treatment taking into account the symptoms experienced by patients andrehabilitation issues was needed. More than 80% agreed that the items needed for an integrated managementservice for advanced cancer patients should include psychological support, an integrated pain and symptommanagement, and education for the patient and his or her caregivers. These results strongly suggest that anew system distinct from palliative care or hospices is needed for patients with advanced cancer in Korea.
)