Aspects of Outpatient Nursing Practice from Cancer Disclosure to Post-Discharge Examination: An Ethnography of Outpatient Nurses Supporting Colon Cancer Patients and Their Families

Abstract

Purpose: To clarify the intentions of nursing practices performed by outpatient nurses in the course of treatment from the time of disclosure to colon cancer patients and their families, and the nature of support observed through interactions with patients and families. Method: Ethnography was used. Results: Nursing practices for colon cancer patients and their families by outpatient nurses were important in the scenes of disclosure, hospital admission explanation, first consultation after discharge, and second consultation. "These practices involved supporting patients and families to overcome surgery, " "explaining the role of the family as a support during hospitalization, " " assessing the need for support based on the condition of patients and families, " and " being concerned about the course of treatment after surgery. " It was a practice of "continuously caring for patients and their families in the situation at hand." Conclusion: The practice of "continuously caring for patients and their families in the situation at hand" has shown the potential to notice patients and families in need of support by being aware of these four scenes, and to provide timely support without missing the opportunity.