Patient-reported care domains that enhance the experience of “being known” in an ambulatory cancer care centre

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored patients' perceptions of "being known" in an ambulatory chemotherapy unit. Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, 10 participants with various cancer diagnoses were recruited from a large cancer centre in Montreal, Quebec. Audiotaped individual interviews were transcribed verbatim. Textual data were coded and analyzed thematically. Findings: Participants spoke of their need to have the staff approach them as individuals first and then as persons with cancer. They further underscored the importance of: (1) feeling truly welcome in the cancer care environment, (2) being provided with person-and situation-responsive care, and (3) considering occupational and social roles that go beyond the "sick role". Mutual patient-nurse disclosure also contributed to perceptions of a personalized care approach. Implications for nursing: In addition to key elements construed as crucial for enhancing perceptions of being known, future studies should further document how the interplay among demographic, physical/psychological, and cultural factors affect these perceptions. BAcKGrOuND A cancer diagnosis often has a profound impact on patients' and families' lives. For individuals receiving cancer treatment, the primary nurse is often the main source of professional guidance and support. Providing this type of care requires an in-depth understanding of the physical and psychosocial needs and preferences of patients. Person-Centred Care (PCC) Person-centred care has been defined as care that is respectful and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, and ensures that a patient's values guide all clinical decisions (Balogh et al., 2011). Similarly, patients as partners (PP) in care is a recent concept that regards patients as integral units of their healthcare team (Pomney, Ghadiri, Karazivan, Fernandez & Clavel, 2015). To meet patients' needs, it is widely recognized that PCC and PP movements are paramount for cancer care to be truly comprehensive (

Exploring Nurse and Patient Experiences of Developing Rapport During Oncology Ambulatory Care Videoconferencing Visits: Qualitative Descriptive Study

“…Interpersonal interventions that cultivate rapport between patients and clinicians can potentially improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction [41]. For persons with cancer, feeling personally known and connected with nurses and health care clinicians on a level beyond their disease process reduces suffering and improves satisfaction, health outcomes, and quality of life [42][43][44][45]. Research suggests that rapport facilitates a trusting and therapeutic relationship [46,47], enabling the clinician to become a source of emotional support for patients with cancer [39,[48][49][50].…”

An integrative review to identify how nurses practicing in inpatient specialist palliative care units uphold the values of nursing

“…This has arguably allowed for science in nursing to dominate over the art and without the artistic aspect, nursing is in danger of becoming mechanistic with the nurse serving as little more than a technician [45]. From the literature it is clear that patients want more than a technician, patients want nurses committed to getting to know them and give of their time, understanding their experience and "how it feels {to be} in my shoes, " being more compassionate with sensitive and clear communications [42,[52][53][54][55]. Mohammed et al [56] highlight that nurses through building their relationship with patients it allows them the opportunity to discuss very sensitive issues with their patients but at the same time knowing when to stop, but this expertise would be unseen by other healthcare professionals.…”

Exploring Nurse and Patient Experiences of Developing Rapport During Oncology Ambulatory Care Videoconferencing Visits: Protocol for a Qualitative Study

“…For persons with cancer, feeling known personally and connected with nurses and health care providers on a level beyond their disease process reduces suffering and improves satisfaction, health outcomes, and quality of life [39][40][41]. Being known beyond their disease includes acknowledging the roles that patients have outside of being a person with cancer, including their personal and professional roles, and interacting with them as people rather than as patients [39,42]. Research suggests that rapport makes a trusting and therapeutic relationship more likely [43,44] and, in turn, enables providers to become a source of emotional support, helping patients adapt and navigate the cancer journey [35,[45][46][47].…”