Abstract
The primary purpose of this paper is to draw attention to current issues related to the treatment of cancer and the role of nurses. Several articles on this topic will be reviewed, and a synopsis appraisal for each one will be provided to get a better understanding of objectives of these studies and approaches used by researchers. Core findings will also be discussed, and the focus on techniques that were used to control bias is also critical. Such information can be utilized by professional nurses and applied in practice. Moreover, it is easier to identify which areas are the most problematic and need to be researched.
It is imperative to mention that cancer is an enormous global problem that is being frequently discussed. Healthcare providers are focused on best available evidence to ensure that patients are provided with high-quality services. This topic is vital because trained professionals should have an understanding of what approaches can be used to improve the outcomes. Moreover, the experience that is gained can be utilized in research, and nurses will be able to improve some of the processes to increase their level of efficiency. It is recognized as an enormous issue in the United States, and registered nurses acknowledge the fact that treatment has numerous side-effects that may be quite problematic and could lead to long-term complications (Wilmoth, Hatmaker-Flanigan, LaLoggia, & Nixon, 2011). Health professionals in others countries also want to draw attention to the fact that some aspects of this condition are understudied, and much more attention should be devoted to psychological factors. Researchers in Korea have identified that the treatment may affect relationships, and it is a responsibility of a trained professional to offer advice and support in such situations (Chung & Hwang, 2012). Furthermore, such knowledge would help trained nurses to understand the needs of the patient and how they may be addressed.
Study #1
Citation
Wilmoth, M. C., Hatmaker-Flanigan, E., LaLoggia, V., & Nixon, T. (2011). Ovarian cancer survivors: Qualitative analysis of the symptom of sexuality. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38(6), 699-708.
In a study by Wilmoth et al. (2011) alterations in sexuality that can be caused by the treatment of ovarian cancer are explored. A description of complications and changes that are experienced by participants is provided. The study is important because issues related to sexuality are frequently undervalued, and such information would help health care providers to improve the experience of patients. The sample size is 13 and individuals that are ill or were diagnosed recently have participated, and researchers believed that exclusion criteria are not needed. Eight women were in the age group of 33-69, and 5 were 40-75. The number of participants may seem small, but it is not an easy task to convince women and five individuals have declined an invitation. Moreover, the sample size is appropriate for a small study.
The received information is valid because a particular set of questions has been used throughout the whole study. Interviews were used as a tool of data collection, and a research instrument has been developed. Answers were recorded with a use of a device and transcription was also utilized. The authors avoid bias by focusing on the experience of patients and based their statements on collected data. Provided information suggests that individuals have a different understanding of the concept of sexuality. The authors have tried to minimize the number of generalized statements in this article. Results of the study indicate that the process of treatment had a tremendous impact on the sexuality of patients and age was not viewed as a significant factor that affected the perspective of individuals. Psychological and social factors play a critical role in this case and have affected the way this problem was viewed by participants (Wilmoth et al., 2011). The results of the study are related to the idea that psychological factors must be taken into account, and such information can be used when developing techniques and approaches that would help the patients to deal with such problems.
Study #2
Citation
Chung, C., & Hwang, E. (2012). Couples’ experiences of breast cancer in Korea: A descriptive qualitative study. Cancer Nursing, 35(3), 211-220.
A study by Chung & Hwang (2012) is focused on issues that are associated with breast cancer, and how the diagnosis and treatment affect relationships. This article is vital because the authors wanted to focus on the experience and provide a description of issues that couples may have to deal with because of this condition. The sample size is 14, and only dyads that included women diagnosed with breast cancer were selected. Individuals that suffered from recurrence or metastasis were not picked. The number of participants is reasonable in this case because the authors wanted to prove the thesis. The data was collected with a use of interviews, and the information received is valid because the process was monitored and a phenomenon was evaluated. Participants were invited to a room, and each session lasted close to eighty minutes. Answers were recorded with a use of an electronic device and later analyzed. Participants have verified the transcription to ensure that it is accurate.
The authors have tried to address possible bias by using same questions. Moreover, some of the patients were excluded because of factors that have affected their experience. Coding was utilized to ensure that particular patterns are identified, and researchers could focus on aspects that are most important. The authors use quotes to make sure that the audience has a better understanding of statements and ideas that were voiced by patients. Researchers have found that the diagnosis of breast cancer in Korea has led to numerous complications. Moreover, spouses were also affected most of the time and such issues as stress and depression were introduced in most cases. A similarity in the reaction between this region and Western countries has been noted. Sexual problems were also noted, and they have complicated relationships in most cases. Moreover, authors suggest that communication had to be improved to address some of the issues (Chung & Hwang, 2012). This article proves that much more attention should be devoted to psychological changes that cancer patients have to deal with during the process of treatment.
Study #3
Citation
Rustoen, T., Gaardsted, T., Leegaard, M., & Wabl, A. K. (2009). Nursing pain management – A qualitative interview study of patients with pain, hospitalized for cancer treatment. Pain Management Nursing, 10(1), 48-55.
A study by Rustoen, Gaardsrud, Leegaard, & Wabl (2009) is focused on issues associated with pain management that individuals have to deal with when they are being hospitalized. Moreover, another goal is to determine if their expectations are reasonable. The description of the experience of patients that suffer from pain because of cancer and how they view the role of trained nurses is vital, and would help to improve outcomes. The sample size is 18 patients, 7 were men and 11 females. Only individuals that suffered from breast or prostate cancer were included. Individuals that did not have skeletal metastasis were excluded. The number of patients is relatively small in this case, but researchers believed that this approach is convenient. The information is valid because particular points and terms were clearly defined.
A professional nurse has conducted several in-depth interviews with each participant to collect the necessary information. Data about age, occupation and diagnosis of patients was also recorded. Audiotapes were utilized, and interviews were transcribed for further analysis. A set of questions has been used in every case to avoid possible bias, and participants were informed that a nurse may provide advice only when the process is finished to ensure that they are not distracted. Specific data such as direct quotes is presented in this case. However, their number is limited, and the authors are more focused on the discussion of patterns and similarities. The findings of this study indicate that patients think that the role of registered nurses in the process of treatment is vital. However, they did not have an understanding of responsibilities that such professionals had, and it was not an easy task to evaluate their level of performance. Another aspect that should not be overlooked is that some patients have voiced their opinions that materials that were provided were essential and have helped to increase their knowledge about pain management (Rustoen et al., 2009). This article supports the statement that the focus on psychological needs of patients may enhance their experience.
Study #4
Citation
Verbrugghe, M., Duprez, V., Beeckman, D., Grypdonck, M., Quaghebeur, M., Verschueren, C.,…Van Hecke, A. (2016). Factors influencing adherence in cancer patients taking oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A qualitative study. Cancer Nursing, 39(2), 153-162.
A study by Verbrugghe et al. (2016) analyzes the experience of individuals that take drugs orally to determine primary causes of non-adherence. It is possible to state that it is important because factors that could affect the perception of cancer patients are taken into account. 30 people have participated, and the authors have utilized interviews to collect necessary information. 18 were men and 12 were women, and the age varied from 36 to 88. The sample size is appropriate for such small studies. The information is valid because participants were monitored and answers were verified. Questions were based on the review of factors that are frequently associated with non-adherence. The technique has been altered to ensure that the data received is more structured. Observations were also written down on paper because such information was viewed as vital by researchers and they wanted to include it in the analysis.
The authors of the study collected demographic data after interviews to ensure that possible bias is avoided. Direct quotes are provided in this case, but their number is relatively small. Findings of this study indicate that patients are incredibly worried about their survival and afraid that the quality of life may be affected because of the use of such medicines. Also, many individuals have noted that side effects are quite problematic and hard to handle most of the time. The level of trust is another factor that should be noted, and trained nurses should take this aspect into account to make sure that individuals understand that their treatment is based on evidence. It is also mentioned that many patients have been anxious because such condition is quite stressful and it could have prevented them from taking medications (Verbrugghe et al., 2016). The study is related to the overall idea that health care professionals should consider needs of a patient to achieve positive outcomes.
In conclusion, it is evident that the ways in which this problem is viewed in different countries are quite similar, and many researchers have recognized that the focus on psychological aspects is beneficial and may help to improve the experience of patients. It can be seen that the process of treatment may have a long-term impact on the lives of individuals, and it is a responsibility of registered nurses to provide help and recommendations. Such professionals should consider the needs of patients throughout the whole process because support is an aspect that is valued by most people and increases their level of satisfaction. Overall, it is possible to state that such information is crucial, and the experience of individuals that have to deal with this disease needs to be researched.
References
Chung, C., & Hwang, E. (2012). Couples’ experiences of breast cancer in Korea: A descriptive qualitative study. Cancer Nursing, 35(3), 211-220.
Rustoen, T., Gaardsrud, T., Leegaard, M., & Wabl, A. K. (2009). Nursing pain management – A qualitative interview study of patients with pain, hospitalized for cancer treatment. Pain Management Nursing, 10(1), 48-55.
Verbrugghe, M., Duprez, V., Beeckman, D., Grypdonck, M., Quaghebeur, M., Verschueren, C.,…Van Hecke, A. (2016). Factors influencing adherence in cancer patients taking oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A qualitative study. Cancer Nursing, 39(2), 153-162.
Wilmoth, M. C., Hatmaker-Flanigan, E., LaLoggia, V., & Nixon, T. (2011). Ovarian cancer survivors: Qualitative analysis of the symptom of sexuality. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38(6), 699-708.