Effect of Supportive Nursing Care on Symptom Intensity and Quality of Life of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recognized as a highly malignant
tumor and a major contributor to the cancer-related disease burden in many regions of the
world with a modest survival benefit of current treatment. HCC patients are vulnerable to
disease and treatment-related symptoms that may negatively affect overall QOL. Aim: This
study aimed to evaluate the effect of supportive nursing care on symptom intensity and
quality of life of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial
chemoembolization. Design: Quasi-experimental research design was employed to attain
the aim of the research. This study was carried out at ElmahallaHepatology Hospital, in the
inpatient department and outpatient clinics, Elmahalla al-Kubra. A purposive sample of 60
adult hepatocellular carcinoma patients of both sexes, undergoing TACE therapy were
recruited for the current study. They were assigned randomly into study and control groups.
Tools: Three instruments were utilized; Patient's data sheet, Edmonton Symptom
Assessment Scale (ESAS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer TherapyQuestionnaire.
Results: There were statistically significant differences between the study and control
groups concerning domains and total score of FACT-Hep., ESAS items and total score of
ESAS, two weeks post-implementation of the supportive nursing care and at follow-up.
Conclusion: supportive nursing care had a positive effect on decreasing symptom intensity
and improving QOL of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial
chemoembolization . Recommendations: supportive nursing care should be initiated for
HCC patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization. Provide training programs for
nurses regarding supportive nursing care of HCC patients undergoing transarterial
chemoembolization.