The nurse-patient interaction during rehabilitation consultations in patients surgically treated for head and neck cancer– a qualitative study. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mortensen, Annelise; Thorne, Sally; Wessel, Irene; Rogers, Simon N.; Jarden, Mary
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 53(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Head and neck cancer -- Needs assessment -- Nurse patient interaction -- Patient communication -- Patient information -- Patient involvement -- Post surgical -- Rehabilitation; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Patients treated surgically for head and neck cancer may experience detrimental early and late effects of their treatment and are in need of rehabilitation post treatment to alleviate symptoms and effects. This study aimed to explore nurse-patient interactions during rehabilitation consultations assessing needs of patients in order to understand how nurses and patients experienced the consultation, the extent to which patients experienced being involved in the needs assessment and how patients experienced the information delivered. Methods: Findings in this study drew on three data sources: 15 observations of nurse-patient interactions during rehabilitation consultations; 15 individual patient interviews and a focus group interview with nurses. Observations and individual patient interviews took place at three different time points during the patient trajectory. The method and analysis applied Interpretive Description and Systematic Text Condensation. Analysis was performed across all three data sources and three time points. Results: Four interrelated themes were identified, showing that conducting rehabilitation nursing consultations and actively involving patients is a complex process. The themes revealed the complexity: expectations for nurse-patient interaction differ; challenges of building rapport; barriers to adequately identifying rehabilitation needs; and factors inhibiting communication of advice and recommendations. Uncovering emotional needs were especially challenging. Patient further experienced an information overload, especially just prior to discharge. Conclusion: Nurse-patient interaction in the rehabilitation consultation is complex and involves many different interrelated aspects that require the nurse to have the necessary interpersonal and professional skills to support the patient to enhance their involvement in the encounter. Highlights: Needs assessment in patients with head and neck cancer poses challenges to nurses. Needs assessment should involve patients in the nurse-patient interaction. Information following needs assessment should be delivered stepwise.