Wives of men with prostate cancer postbrachytherapy: perceived information needs and degree of being met.

The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate information needs of wives of men diagnosed with prostate cancer postbrachytherapy and to measure the extent to which the needs are met. The study took place at the National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, and 65 wives of men with prostate cancer were recruited. Wives completed the Family Inventory of Needs-Wives in recovery room on day 1 postprocedure and the demographic data form. Information needs and perceived degree of these needs being met were identified. All needs were identified as important with varying degrees of these needs being met. One item was not rated as being unmet, whereas 4 items had scores of at least 30% for being unmet. Likelihood estimates identified needs with P value less than .05 in relation to educational level of wife. A wife's need for information is prompted by her spouse's illness. This supports the findings of earlier research. A multitude of information needs exist for wives, and the degree of these needs being met varies. An assessment of needs and degree of these needs being met can guide nurses in tailoring education. Direction on approaching information needs may be needed to decrease barriers to communication and foster quality care. Employing a multimodality approach to education, reassessing needs, and encouraging questions are essential.