Attitudes of Nurses in Supporting the Changing of Gears in Hematopoietic Tumor Patients

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes of nurses regarding supporting changing gears in hematopoietic tumor patients, and to obtain insights into this aspect of nursing. The participants were nine nurs es with five or more years of cancer nursing experience and three or more years of clinical experience in caring for hematopoietic tumor patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and interview contents were qual itatively and inductively analyzed. The following seven main categories were recognized as points of awareness in nursesʼ attitudes toward changing gears in hematopoietic tumor patients: “ the state of patients and their families who face life and death,” “the existence of sorrow among patients and families,” “palliative treatment being confusing to patients,” “the sig nificance of the existence of family,” “the importance of the patient-nurse relationship,” “determination toward the realization of a desirable end,” and “irritation from not being able to support changing gears.” With respect to be havior, the following seven main categories were recognized: “solidifying determination to get involved at the end of a patientʼs life,” “encouraging decision-making processes and making good use of time,” “summoning the strength to face changing gears,” “supporting the patientʼs way of life,” “healthcare professionals finding a way for the patient to live life their own way,” “developing partnerships,” and “enhancing the readiness to support chang ing gears.” Nurses were able to understand the state of hematopoietic tumor patients who were in the midst of changing gears, and used the optimism and negative emotions gained from their understanding as a driving force to become more involved in the patientsʼ crossroads of life. Along with these efforts aimed at allowing patients to decide their own way of life, nurses provided an encouraging enviroment where patients could exert their power . These efforts led to the support of changing gears.