The impact of nurses' encounters with cancer on their attitudes towards the disease

Abstract

Summary A study to develop understanding of nurses' knowledge, confidence and educational needs in relation to cancer care was undertaken. Data from this study on nurses' attitudes and the effect of professional encounters with cancer on such attitudes are presented. A cancer attitude scale was completed by 127 nurses, and 68 of the sample were interviewed in depth. Data presented reveal a pervasive negative attitude towards cancer amongst these nurses, and the important negative impact that professional encounters with cancer have on nurses' feelings about the disease. Data presented are taken from a larger study, which is reported elsewhere (Corner, 1990; Corner & Wilson‐Barnett, 1992).

Ways of understanding the encounter with head and neck cancer patients in the hospital dental team—a phenomenographic study

“…They are consistent with previous work on medical professionals' attitudes and reactions towards patients being treated for cancer [2,9,16,24]. Understanding the encounter as an overwhelming emotional situation, as described in category C, with negative attitudes to cancer treatment and feelings of inadequacy in communicating with patients with cancer, resembles nurse's attitudes towards cancer as reported by Lampic et al [24] and Corner [9]. Remaining behind a façade of professional authority, seeking knowledge, as described in category B, has been presented as a coping strategy by Androe [2] in her studies on physicians' difficulties and coping strategies in cancer care.…”

“…The results reveal that the encounter had a strong emotional impact and affected the staff as human beings. They are consistent with previous work on medical professionals' attitudes and reactions towards patients being treated for cancer [2,9,16,24]. Understanding the encounter as an overwhelming emotional situation, as described in category C, with negative attitudes to cancer treatment and feelings of inadequacy in communicating with patients with cancer, resembles nurse's attitudes towards cancer as reported by Lampic et al [24] and Corner [9].…”

Patient and Staff Perceptions of Cancer Patients' Psychological Concerns and Needs

“…Interviewers may share the negative view of cancer patients' situation held by healthcare professionals (4,37), and this may influence their ratings in similar ways as has been reported for nurses and physicians. On the other hand, interview ratings may be biased by patient reluctance to report symptoms in a face-to face situation but less of that when using a more 'anonymous' assessment method.…”

Stéréotypes et préjugés à l’égard de personnes atteintes de cancer : étude auprès d’une population générale et de professionnels de santé

“…À cette représentation sociale du cancer correspondent également des stéréotypes et préju-gés vis-à-vis des personnes atteintes d'un cancer qui seraient partagées aussi bien par l'opinion publique, les patients que les professionnels de santé (Corner, 1993 ;Kearney, Miller, Paul, Smith, & Rice, 2003 ;McCaughan & Parahoo, 2000). L'examen de la littérature révèle que le concept de stéréotype est souvent utilisé de manière inappropriée.…”

“…Ils doivent par conséquent prendre des précautions quant aux recommandations données aux patients lors de l'accompagnement de la maladie et aussi lors de la construction des messages de prévention. Corner (1993), en particulier a mis en évidence des différences entre le personnel qui a des attitudes négatives et le personnel qui a des attitudes positives au niveau de la prise de décision au regard du traitement et des soins aux patients. Des attitudes négatives conduisent à placer une faible valeur dans le patient et à sous-estimer les aspects psychologiques.…”