An exploration of the communication that takes place between nurses and patients whilst cancer chemotherapy is administered

Abstract

Summary Existing studies indicate the importance of the communication that takes place within specific nursing procedures, but a body of knowledge in this area has yet to be developed. This study explores the verbal communication that took place when nurses were administering cytotoxic chemotherapy in a specialized gynaecological oncology unit. Most interactions were initiated by the nurses and concentrated on information giving. Detailed, clear and precise explanations were provided, reflecting the highly technical nature of the procedure. The nurses rarely made any assessment of the patients' understanding of the situation, their preconceptions, or their feelings. It is suggested that there is a need to structure and improve the emotional, supportive, and information‐giving techniques employed by nurses.

The meaning of nurse–patient intimacy in oncology care settings: From the nurse and patient perspective

“…Kleiman (2004) reports such communication to involve a naïve attitude and a welcoming demeanour and labels this 'chitchat' (superficial talk). This finding of superficial conversations between oncology nurses and patients is also evident in a study of nurse-patient communication whilst chemotherapy is being administered, reported by Dennison (1995), and in a study involving both in and outpatient radiotherapy and chemotherapy patients (Jarrett and Payne, 2000). The use of social conversation by patients is reported by Shattell (2005) as a method of getting nurses to like them.…”

The use of conversational analysis: nurse–patient interaction in communication disability after stroke

“…In previous studies, the rationale for ineffective nurse–patient communication included high workloads and time pressures, as well as tasks preventing nurses picking up patients’ cues (Caris‐Verhallen et al. 1999,Dennison 1995, Pound & Ebrahim 2000). Our study did not provide data to support or contradict these rationales; however, we suggest that the reason behind nursing staff controlling the interaction, including when and about what they talk, is complex and multifactorial.…”

The effect of communication skills training on patient outcomes in cancer care: a systematic review of the literature

“…Conversely, ineffective communication can have adverse effects on patient compliance and can leave patients feeling anxious, uncertain and generally dissatisfied with their care (Maguire et al 1996a;Butow et al 2002a). Nurses often use blocking behaviour (ranging from 55% to 75% of the occasions), thus avoiding subjects that are emotionally charged, rather than stimulating patients to express their concern (Wilkinson 1991;Dennison 1995;Ford et al 1996;Maguire et al 1996b;Suchman et al 1997;Andersen & Adamsen 2001). In a recent descriptive study (Uitterhoeve et al 2003), which aimed to identify problem areas in the care for patients receiving chemotherapy, professional caregivers (medical oncologists and oncology nurses) and patients alike reported that affective communication in particular is in need of improvement.…”

“…It has been observed that only 40-55% of existing patient concerns are adequately identified, which are predominantly concerns related to physical symptoms Heaven 2001;Hill et al 2003;Farrell et al 2005). Nurses often use blocking behaviour (ranging from 55% to 75% of the occasions), thus avoiding subjects that are emotionally charged, rather than stimulating patients to express their concern (Wilkinson 1991;Dennison 1995;Ford et al 1996;Maguire et al 1996b;Suchman et al 1997;Andersen & Adamsen 2001). Other studies (Bensing 1991;Ong et al 2000) suggest that it is especially important to improve the emotional dimension of provider-patient communication, as patient outcomes, i.e.…”