Outpatient Nurses' Awareness of Their Support for the Decision-making of Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Therapy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify outpatient nurses' awareness of their support for the decision-making of newly diagnosed cancer patients undergoing surgical therapy.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight outpatient nurses from two hospitals, and transcribed data were analyzed qualitatively.

Results: The following four categories of outpatient nurses' awareness were extracted: "Difficult environment for supporting decision-making", "Identifying a patient in need of support", "Collaborating at the organizational level", and "Supporting the patient until a satisfying decision is made". Although the nurses recognized the need to support cancer patients' decision-making when undergoing surgical therapy, they were obliged to prioritize other duties and found it difficult to adequately provide the support needed. Although it was difficult, nurses tried to identify patients requiring support during their routine work, and to assist them until a satisfying decision was made by collaborating with colleagues at the organizational level.

Conclusion: In order for outpatient nurses to more effectively support cancer patients' decision-making, it is necessary to allocate an adequate number of personnel, secure interview spaces, and provide training for nurses to improve their skills in decision-making support, in addition to implementing the necessary organizational changes.