Knowledge and limitations of Oncology physicians and nurses regarding the process of advance directives

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oncological patients currently increasingly more advanced treatments, however, most of them are diagnosed late or have poor prognosis. In this context, a process of discussion among patients, family members, caregivers and health professionals about future care goals is important, so that the patient can communicate their preferences. Nonetheless, early planning of end-of-life care and advance directives are rarely performed or are only inserted in the later stages before the patient's death. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of physicians and nurses in the oncology area regarding the process of anticipated will directives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which physicians and nurses from all specialties of care in Unit I of the Hospital de Cancer de Barretos will be included. To collect data will be used the online program SurveyMonkey® and will be made a prioritization of the professionals. To compare the qualitative variables, the chi-square test and the t-test (or Mann-Withney) will be used for the quantitative variables. Exploratory association and correlation analyzes will also be performed and association tests (chi-square or Fisher) and correlation (Pearson's test) will be used. EXPECTED RESULTS: This research is expected to evaluate the importance that doctors and nurses attach to the Advance Directives process and identify the limitations in daily clinical practice to contribute to an advance planning of care for cancer patients.