O Conhecimento Dos Pacientes Com Câncer Sobre Seus Direitos Legais El Conocimiento De Los Pacientes Con Cáncer Sobre Sus Derechos Legales

The study objectives were: to survey the knowledge that oncology patients have about their legal rights, to identify the most known rights, and verify their knowledge about the procedure for requesting it. A survey was performed applying a checklist instrument during an interview. Participants were 42 oncology patients who were undergoing chemotherapy and their relatives. Of all participants, 57% were female; 28% were between 61 and 70 years old; 62% had completed only primary education; 72% were married; 50% had a family income of 2.6 minimum salaries. 45% were unaware of the benefits; among the existing benefits, retirement was recognized by 23%; 33% stated the medical record as the most important document; 38% had access to the information through the media; 23% had not requested any benefits and 31% reported obtaining some kind of benefit. In conclusion, nurses should work effectively to disseminate the patients' rights, so that benefits are guaranteed and their condition as citizens is respected. DESCRIPTORS Patient rights Knowledge Neoplasms Nursing RESUMEN El estudio objetivó: investigar el conocimiento de los pacientes oncológicos respecto de sus derechos, identificar los más conocidos y verificar el conocimiento de los procedimientos para su solicitación. Se realizó una colecta, aplicando un instrumento tipo check-list en una entrevista. Participaron 42 pacientes oncológicos que realizaban quimioterapia y sus familiares. 57% eran mujeres; 28% con edad entre 61 y 70 años; 62% cursaron apenas primer grado; 72% era casado; 50% tenía renta familiar de 2,6 salarios mínimos; 45% desconocía los beneficios; entre los existentes, la jubilación fue reconocida por el 23%; 33% citó el laudo médico como documento más importante; 38% tuvo acceso a informaciones por los medios; 23% no había solicitado ningún beneficio y 31% refirió obtención de algún beneficio. Concluimos que el enfermero precisa actuar efectivamente en la divulgación de derechos de los pacientes, para que los mismos sean asegurados y la condición de ciudadanía sea respetada. DESCRIPTORES Derechos del paciente Conocimiento Neoplasias Enfermería