Nursing Practices and Difficulties in Caring for Adolescent Cancer Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to understand nursing practices toward caring for adolescent cancer patients, and the difficulties faced by nurses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight members of the Childhood, Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Nursing SIG (Special Interest Group) in the Japanese Society of Cancer Nursing. The data were analyzed using Krippendorff’s content analysis method.

The results generated four categories. “Understanding cancer and developmental process in adolescents” was at the core of nurses with expertise in caring for adolescents. They were nursing with “an attitude to explore the needs while respecting independence” as they were striving to protect the patients’ rights. Conversely, nurses had “difficulty understanding what patients want in their process of development. ” Nurses shared information among medical professionals to prepare age-appropriate surroundings that encourage autonomy and bridge the disagreements between patients and parents. It was clarified that nurses “support the autonomy of patients living with cancer” after their treatment is completed. Nursing for adolescent cancer patients requires an understanding of the feelings that patients experience during their treatment period. Therefore, in addition to the adult nursing perspective, the pediatric nursing perspective is also necessary. Additionally, supporting the autonomy of adolescent patients living with cancer while caring for them is essential.