Satisfaction with Hospital Care Services and Changes Experienced after Hospitalization among the Cancer Patients of General Cancer Wards and Hospice Wards in South Korea

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare differences in satisfaction with hospital care services, and changes experienced after hospitalization between cancer patients of general cancer wards and hospice wards. Methods/Statistical Analysis: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Using quota sampling strategy, 100 participants of the general cancer wards and 100 participants of the hospice wards were recruited in South Korea. Data were collected from 25th August to 26th September in 2014 using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 23.0 program. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests were conducted. Findings: Comparing two groups, age and type of religion were statistically different. There were differences in stage of tumor, recurrence, activities of daily living, level of pain and/or discomfort, and level of anxiety and/or depression between two groups. The levels of satisfaction among the patients of hospice wards were significantly higher than those who were in general cancer wards in most domains. The patients of hospice wards were more satisfied mainly with “respecting their religion”, “inspiring them to have positive thinking and hope”, and “respecting their family and/or visitors” than those who were in general cancer wards. The levels of changes experienced among the patients of hospice wards were significantly higher those who were in general cancer wards in most of the questions. The patients of hospice wards experienced more positive changes mainly in good hygiene, sufficient pain control, and relieved fatigue. Improvements/Applications: As hospice cares have considerable effects on physical, emotional, family and spiritual aspects, we recommend expanding the services of hospice care to help terminally ill cancer patients live comfortably.