A clinical data base for advanced cancer patients

Implications for nursing

Abstract

This article provides a description and analysis of age, metastatic sites, diagnoses, and associated symptoms of hospitalized advanced cancer patients. The data are derived from a comprehensive study of 1,103 advanced cancer patients at Calvary Hospital, Bronx, New York, the only acute care hospital exclusively for this patient population in the country. More than 400 variables were included in the overall study, which was designed to describe the experience of advanced cancer and to identify significant factors and relationships for further investigation. Demographics and leading diagnoses among advanced cancer patients are noted. The relationship of primary diagnosis, age, duration of illness, and major metastatic sites for the diagnoses are reviewed. Attention is given to the prevalence of selected symptoms in advanced cancer and their relationship to primary diagnoses. Appropriate and responsive nursing care plans require a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of advanced cancer.