The psychological needs of patients receiving chemotherapy: an exploration of nurse perceptions

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of a group of registered oncology nurses about the psychological needs of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and how the nurses meet these. Eight nurses who provided chemotherapy and were working in a local oncology centre participated. A semi-structured interview was used to explore nurses' perceptions, and how they meet these patients' needs. The analysis of interview transcripts revealed that these nurses agreed that patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy had psychological needs. Moreover, they were conscious that some of the physical side-effects could have a psychological impact on the patients. Although nurses did not use any assessment tool for psychological assessment, they identified two main stages during the treatment when patients needed more psychological support: at the beginning and at the end of the chemotherapy. They explained how they tried to meet patients' psychological needs but they also mentioned several factors that influenced the psychological support that patients received.

Systematic screening of distress: Portraits and cross-examination of the various stakeholders’ perceptions, clinical perspectives, and research—Part 2

“…Nurses also named lack of time at all the stages of implementing the tool and all the stages of our study. This lack of time was also reported by different researchers (Absolom et al, 2011;Asselin, 2012;Arantzamendi & Kearney, 2004;Fillion et al, 2011;Mitchell, Kaar, Coggan, & Herdman, 2008). Screening occurs against a backdrop in which nurses are constantly rushed, which perhaps explains in part the findings.…”

“…Patients also perceive a lack of time, which may lead some to choose to keep quiet, as certain clinical observations lead us to believe. Moreover, other studies also pointed to the ambiance in chemotherapy rooms-an environment that is not conducive to intimacy (Arantzamendi & Kearney, 2004)-and nurses are among the most sensitive professionals to this aspect (Absolom et al, 2011). Our proposed theoretical model on the meaning nurses ascribe to screening tends to indicate that nurses are greatly in favour of screening for distress, but feel that it must fit into the realities of their practice that are conducive to this process.…”

Dépistage systématique de la détresse : portraits et regards croisés sur les perceptions des différents acteurs, perspectives cliniques et de recherche Partie 2

“…Les infirmières l'ont aussi nommé à toutes les étapes d'implantation de l'outil et à toutes les étapes de notre étude. Ce manque de temps est aussi rapporté par différents chercheurs (Absolom et al, 2011;Asselin, 2012, Arantzamendi M. et Kearney N. (2004., Fillion et al, 2011;Mitchell, Kaar, Coggan, et Herdman, 2008).…”

“…Ce contexte « d'être toujours pressé » dans lequel s'inscrit le dépistage pour les infirmières peut peut-être expliquer en partie ce résul-tat comme nous croyons aussi que le manque de temps perçu aussi par la clientèle peut conduire certains patients à choisir de se taire, comme nous portent à le croire certaines observations cliniques. De plus, l'environnement peu intimiste des salles d'administration de la chimiothérapie a été aussi relevé dans d'autres études (Arantzamendi et Kearney, 2004) et les infirmières font partie des professionnels plus sensibles à cet aspect (Absolom et al, 2011).…”

Chance of psychiatric morbidity amongst recently diagnosed cancer outpatients attending a chemotherapy unit

“…The non-detection of co-morbid psychiatric disorders and psychological distress may worsen the patient's quality of life and increase the burden of the illness for the patient and his/her family (14). This is reflected by the increased number of studies concerning psychological intervention in cancer and also by the concern of most professionals caring for cancer patients (15,16).…”