Elaheh Ashouri1, Fariba Taleghani2, Mehrdad Memarzadeh3, Morteza Saburi4, Fatemeh Babashahi5. 1. Assistant professor, Nursing and Midwifery Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 2. Professor, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 3. Professor, Pediatric Surgery Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 4. Matron, Cancer Treatment Center, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran. 5. Supervisor, Cancer Treatment Center, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that empathic behaviour is an essential component in nursing care that affects the psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, it remains a neglected issue in nursing in Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted on 33 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and were then analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. FINDINGS: Three categories of data thus emerged, comprising: (a) empathetic attention; (b) empathetic presence; and (c) the facilitators of empathetic behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The findings can help oncology nurses provide more empathetic care to patients and their family members.
BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that empathic behaviour is an essential component in nursing care that affects the psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, it remains a neglected issue in nursing in Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted on 33 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and were then analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. FINDINGS: Three categories of data thus emerged, comprising: (a) empathetic attention; (b) empathetic presence; and (c) the facilitators of empathetic behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The findings can help oncology nurses provide more empathetic care to patients and their family members.
Authors: Bee Teng Lim; Helen Moriarty; Mark Huthwaite; Lesley Gray; Sue Pullon; Peter Gallagher Journal: Med Teach Date: 2012-09-03 Impact factor: 3.650