Factors that Influence Nurses' Act to Help Relieving Cancer Pain

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence nurses' intention to care for relieving cancer pain (intention to perform behavior), a relation between the intention to perform behavior and caring for relieving cancer pain, and factor that influence caring for relieving cancer pain, and to discuss relations among these factors. The data was collected, using participant observation, interview and self-report, from 40 nurses working in a cancer center and an university hospital who had more than half year of exerience in caring for patients suffering from cancer pain. The result showed as follow;

1. Nurses' intention to perform behavior was related to nurses' sense of values, or belief that “cancer pain can be relieved” and that “pain-relieving medicine should be used”.

2. The sense of values, or belief that “cancer pain can be relieved” and that “pain-relieving medicine should be used” was related to their “practical knowledge”.

3. The intention to perform behavior was related to “meticulous data collection” from their patients.

4. The “meticulous data collection” was related to their “favorable feelings” about or “expectation” of providing care.

5. The “favorable feelings” or “expectation” was related to their intention to perform behavior, and “knowledge-skill”.

6. It seemed that the “meticulous data collection” helped to enhance nurses' view for human being, a role of nusing and nursing process, which enabled them to shape their intention to perform behavior.