Expectations of patients with colorectal cancer towards nursing care– a thematic analysis

• Published in: European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society Vol. 44; p. 101699
• Main Authors: Tuominen, Leena, Leino-Kilpi, Helena, Meretoja, Riitta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2020
• Subjects: Expectations; Nursing; Nursing care; Patients with colorectal cancer; Thematic analysis; Expectations; Patients with colorectal cancer; Nursing care; Thematic analysis
• ISSN: 1462-3889; 1532-2122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101699

The purpose of this study was to explore comprehensively expectations of patients with colorectal cancer towards nursing care in the chemotherapy context. A purposive sample of patients with colorectal cancer (n = 15) was interviewed individually at the outpatient clinic in one university hospital chemotherapy unit. The data were analysed with thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified in the data. Firstly, patients expected to be empowered with knowledge of disease process, side effects and their self-management and peer support. Secondly, patients expected to be humanely encountered, which included being encountered with support, compassion and hope. Thirdly, patients expected to be skillfully cared for with systematic assessment, expertise, continuity and advocacy. Besides reliable knowledge of cancer treatment and care, patients expected the sympathetic presence of a nurse whose professional skills they can trust. The results may be utilised in intervention development by focusing on themes significant to these patients. The results may help nurses to enhance person-centred care as well as to encounter patients according to their expectations. •This study provides a holistic insight into the expectations of patients with CRC towards their care in the CT context.•Expectations of patients with colorectal cancer for their nursing care are multifaceted yet practicable.•Patients expected to be empowered with knowledge, humanely encountered and skillfully cared for.•Results may be used in clinical practice as well as in education to enhance patient-centred nursing.