The Coping and Support Needs of Incurable Cancer Patients

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.

Nursing competencies across different levels of palliative care provision: A systematic integrative review with thematic synthesis

“…A study that discussed the importance of support found that patients with incurable diseases expected that the care would include a holistic approach and support from healthcare staff. 63 Nurses' image of themselves as competent and professional is another key component to high-quality palliative care. In fact, self-perceived competencies can support both nurses and their co-workers, since professional competency has been found to be positively associated with both job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behaviour, 64 and selfperceived effectiveness.…”

Coping and adaptation of adults with cancer: the art of nursing care

“…It has been demonstrated that a relationship exists between strong family support and effective coping strategies (22); in effect, patients' families promote an adequate adaptation and their partners are identified as the most significant source of support in order to be able to talk openly on the topic. Even the support received is considered by some authors as the most important variable to value (23); thus, a stable partner is associated with support and daily care activities that influence especially the elderly (24).…”

‘I am still valuable’ – A qualitative study of incurable cancer patients coping in hospice care

“…[9,10]. Incurable cancer patients coping is enhanced in situations of healthcare professionals (HCPs) having a broader perspective of illness-related issues [5]. It is worth noting that during a cancer patient's care path, their life goals [1,11] and knowledge expectations may vary [12,13].…”

“…It is worth noting that during a cancer patient's care path, their life goals [1,11] and knowledge expectations may vary [12,13]. Patients prefer being given reliable information face to face [5,12,13] but they also search for information from the internet, or the eHealth tools offered to them [5,13].…”