Embedded spiritual conversation in cancer communication: lived experiences of nurses and patients/relatives.

AIM

The study aimed to illuminate the experiences of patients, relatives and nurses in an oncology setting by exploring communication in cancer care.

BACKGROUND

Like elsewhere in health settings, communication is a major component in cancer care and has an impact on patient's outcome. However, nurse-patient/relatives communication is still recognized as an ongoing challenge. Evidence is lacking on the nurse-patient communication in Indonesia particularly in oncology settings.

DESIGN OF STUDY

The current study explored the lived experiences of patients, relatives and nursing regarding communication in an oncology setting at a private Islamic hospital. A phenomenological research design on the basis of the naturalistic paradigm was employed. The researchers purposely selected 16 participants and conducted semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. Colaizzi's naturalistic phenomenological approach was utilized to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the data: Building a compassionate relationship, Spiritual and religious discussion, Maintaining hope. Developing trust and providing empathy as well as showing genuineness are elements in building the compassionate relationship. The religious and spiritual discussion includes reminders to pray and increase self-transcendence awareness. Patients and their relatives welcome such discussion. Maintaining hope is part of communication that can preserve positive feelings, goals and beliefs of patients and their families for their well-being.

CONCLUSION

Establishing compassionate relationship is the basis of communication in cancer care. Spiritual and religion, and hope are aspects that nurses and patients and their relatives discuss among themselves. These aspects may affect patient's outcome and quality of care and require further research.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Findings suggest that it is important to have communication during cancer care, which includes compassion, spiritual and religious aspect, and hope as it potentially enables patients and relatives to deal with their cancer journey. Our findings have implications for nursing practice, education and policy so that there is an integration of biopsychosocial, and spiritual and religious aspects in cancer communication.