The Coping and Support Needs of Incurable Cancer Patients. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viitala, Anu; Saukkonen, Marita; Lehto, Juho T.; Palonen, Mira; Åstedt-Kurki, Päivi
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospice and palliative nursing. Volume 20:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: coping -- incurable cancer -- support; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Hospice nurses -- Training of -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000000427
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-2179

Abstract

Abstract : The purposes of this study were to describe the coping processes and support needs of patients with incurable cancer. The study was conducted as a qualitative study. The research data were gathered by conducting thematic interviews with outpatients with incurable cancer (n = 16) and analyzed by means of inductive content analysis. The results of the study indicate that the lives of patients were temporarily interrupted by the incurable illness. A sympathetic family was perceived as strength, and after the initial shock, the patients began to rebuild their lives. They had conflicting thoughts about cancer treatment. The patients felt that they were courageous, but fragile, in the face of their illness. They prepared for the approaching death by discussing the issue with their family members and friends and planning their own palliative care. The patients expected to be approached holistically. The results of this study are applicable in circumstances in which health care professionals are preparing to approach an incurable cancer patient as an individual, instead of simply as a medical case. The results can also be utilized to develop evidence-based, family-oriented palliative nursing for cancer patients and to better identify the expectations and needs of the patients while receiving treatment.