Caring for teenagers and young adults with cancer: a grounded theory study of network-focused nursing.

UNLABELLED

Teenagers and young adults (TYAs) are extremely vulnerable and dependant on a supportive social network when diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to generate a substantive theory by exploring processes and strategies of oncology nurses engaged in a nursing programme, which aims at supporting these young patients and their significant others to maintain, establish and strengthen support from their social network during the treatment period.

METHOD

A grounded theory approach was used and data were generated through interviews, observations, informal conversations and documents. All nurses (7) from a Danish oncology youth unit participated.

RESULTS

'Bridging' was defined as the core concept in nurses' strategies aimed at creating a space for the TYAs' normal growth and development. By strategies of 'Tuning in', 'Framing the situation', 'Navigating towards the goal' and 'Connecting people' the nurses attempted to provide a foundation for the seriously ill TYAs to connect to their normal everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

The study complements existing knowledge of caring for TYAs with cancer, showing how oncology nurses can use their knowledge and position to facilitate involvement of the patients' social network. It contributes with a theoretical framework for clinical practice that offers insight into an unexplored area of nursing. Network-focused nursing is a complex and demanding practice that needs to be addressed by nurses, educators, researchers and health policy makers.