Quality of Oncology Nursing Care as Perceived by Patients With Cancer: Results From Three Arab Countries

Background: Patient satisfaction was defined as expectation and perception of the patients about real nursing care they receive.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by patients with cancer in 3 Arabic countries (Jordan, Oman, and Egypt).

Methods: A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling approach was used. A total of 517 patients with cancer (Jordan, 200, 38.7%; Sultanate of Oman, 137, 26.5%; and Egypt, 180, 34.8%) participated and completed the study's questionnaires including sociodemographic data and the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS).

Results: Moderate quality of oncology nursing care was reported by the participants. The overall mean for the quality of oncology care as measured by the QONCS-Ar (QONCS Arabic version) was highest in Oman (153.40; SD, 4.10), followed by Jordan (150.93; SD, 2.10) and then Egypt (148.0; SD, 3.80). The results were significantly different in the total score of the QONCS-Ar (F = 45.20, P < .001) among the 3 countries. The results also differed in all domains of oncology nursing care according to days of treatment and marital status.

Conclusion: Findings are considered a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of evaluating quality of oncology nursing care as perceived by the patients with cancer.

Implications for practice: The results from the current study can be used to develop an interventional program focusing on the needs of patients and their perceptions of care.