UNCERTAINTY, SYMPTOM DISTRESS, AND INFORMATION NEEDS AFTER SURGERY FOR CANCER OF THE COLON

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between u ncertainty, symptom distress, and discharge information needs in indiv iduals after a colon resection for cancer. The theoretical framework f or the study was derived from Lazarus and Folkman's stress, appraisal and coping model, and Mishel's theory of uncertainty in illness. Uncer tainty was measured by the Mishel Uncertainty Illness Scale (MUIS); sy mptom distress of pain, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea and loss of ap petite by visual analogue scales; and discharge information needs by t he Patient Learning Need Scale (PLNS). Forty individuals with a first diagnosis of cancer were interviewed after surgical resection of colon cancer. The study results indicated that they had moderate levels of uncertainty, low levels of symptom distress, and a moderate number of discharge information needs. Information related to treatment, complic ations, and activities of living were identified as highly important. An increase in uncertainty was significantly associated with an increa se in discharge information needs. Increased attention to information needs at discharge may decrease an individual's level of uncertainty a nd facilitate the transition from hospital to home.