Self‐advocacy and cancer: a concept analysis

Abstract

Aim This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of self-advocacy among individuals with cancer to clarify its meaning, to differentiate this meaning with related concepts and to unify understanding of the concept in cancer research and practice. Background Cancer survivors are increasingly required to assume an active role in their healthcare. A thorough analysis of how survivors advocate for themselves is a crucial aspect in supporting survivors’ ability to engage and manage their care throughout all stages of cancer survivorship. Design Walker and Avant’s eight-step process of conducting a concept analysis was used. Data Sources PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL databases were searched for articles, reviews, editorials and gray literature directly addressing self-advocacy. Review Methods A broad inquiry into the literature from 1960 – 2012 that produces a definition of self-advocacy. Model and contrary cases of self-advocacy demonstrate the concept’s application and intricacies. Results Antecedents to self-advocacy include particular personal characteristics, learned skills and attainable support. The essential element of self-advocacy and what differentiates it from related concepts, is the internalization of these antecedent resources into self-advocacy thoughts and actions while incorporating personal values and priorities in a way that upholds the survivors’ goals and beliefs. A full realization of self-advocacy facilitates a cancer survivor attaining a strong self-concept, sense of control and adaptation to a life with cancer. Conclusions Self-advocacy is a process of internalizing skills and resources to act in a way that supports survivors’ needs and goals.

Perspectives on Self-Advocacy: Comparing Perceived Uses, Benefits, and Drawbacks Among Survivors and Providers

“…S elf-advocacy, defined as a cancer survivor’s ability to get his or her needs met in the face of a challenge, is a critical skill for those facing the overwhelming disease and psychological burdens of cancer (Hagan & Donovan, 2013a, 2013b). Self-advocacy consists of three main skills: (a) making informed decisions, (b) finding strength through connection with others, and (c) communicating effectively with the oncology care team.…”

Community Health Nursing Advocacy: A Concept Analysis

“…Inherent in political advocacy is the art of collaboration-a mutually beneficial relationship entered into by two or more individuals or groups to achieve common goals (Kosiorowski, 2014). Several definitions and uses of advocacy in the context of CHN revolve around the responsibility of the nurse to work closely with other health professionals to ensure that appropriate health care is available to the community when and if needed (Bollard, 2009;Chafey et al,1998;Hagan & Donovan, 2012;R. Hanks, 2012;O'Connor & Kelly, 2005;Staines, 2009;Tahan, 2005).…”

“…This attribute is most evident among vulnerable populations such as the homeless (Speirs et al, 2013), students (Ratts et al, 2007), and military families (Military One Source, 2014). Also, immigrant families need assistance and support to access health programs and resources (McElmurry et al, 2003) as well as the elderly (McGinnis & Zoske, 2008) and those living with chronic conditions such as cancer (Hagan & Donovan, 2012;Jennings-Sanders & Anderson, 2003). Within these communities, the nurse is the most important resource that connects clients to other systems level resources.…”

“…Education or information sharing sessions about issues to ensure that everyone involved is well informed (Kohnke, 1982;Rasberry, 2008), and 3. Intervening acts such as (a) providing guidance and counseling (Hagan & Donovan, 2012;Ratts et al, 2007;Tahan, 2005); (b) referring clients to appropriate resources (McElmurry et al, 2003); and (c) assessing problems, analyzing the impacts of the health issues on health, implementing specific programs, evaluating program impacts and outcomes, and pushing for change (Jennings-Sanders & Anderson, 2003;Kramer, 2005;Maryland & Gonzalez, 2012;Military One Source, 2014;Nagelhout et al, 2014).…”

Bridging the gap from the oncology setting to community care through a cross-Canada environmental scan

“…Without a dramatic culture shift, the current health care system will not be able to sustain access and provision to high quality cancer care following treatment. There is a growing emphasis on self-management and self-advocacy (including a strong self-concept/self-confidence, improving patient empowerment, increasing self-esteem, fostering a sense of control, and assisting adaptation to a life with cancer) as it has been shown to carry many positive benefits for survivors (Hagan & Donovan, 2012;Wiljer et al, 2013). However, currently there is no local or national policy context for survivorship care in Canada.…”