The role of the nurse in the psychosocial care of breast cancer patients
Mészáros, F.

Aims: To assess psychosocial problems of patients with breast cancer after surgery, with special regard to the quality of nursing care rendered.
Sample and methods: 158 women participated in a stratified randomly selected survey. Survey instruments were developed by the author. Comparisons were done between patients under and above 50 years of age concerning main outcome measures.
Results: Most of patients under 50 years of age experienced problems with altered body image. Younger patients reported more problems with marital adjustment and often experienced work place conflicts. Younger patients also felt stigmatized by the disease.
Conclusions: Results indicated that psychosocial problems are not resolved with the treatment of the body functions. The presence of significant others is crucial, however, nurses with special preparation are essential in the complex management of the disease.
 

Appraisal of euthanasia among anesthesiologists, critical care nurses,
and physicians.
Fábián, K. Aims: To appraise the moral standing of physicians and nurses on euthanasia and their opinion about its use in practice.
Sample and methods: A 44-question survey was administered to 100 participants from each group selected from 11 critical care departments. Instruments were complemented with face-to-face interviews where possible.
Results: Respondents agreed that the idea of neither active ,nor passive euthanasia is foreign in our current health care practice. Opinions, however, differed largely between the groups about the conduct and use of euthanasia in real life situations.
Conclusions: The selection of the sample may restrict overall generalizability. Responses, however need to be taken into account by health policy makers and legislators.