Volume 19, Issue 2 pp. 184-191

Themes and goals in cancer outpatient – cancer nurse consultations

H.V. BRATAAS phd, med, bn, associate professor

Corresponding Author

H.V. BRATAAS phd, med, bn, associate professor

Faculty of Health Science, Nord-Trøndelag University College, Steinkjer

Hildfrid V. Brataas, Faculty of Health Science, Nord-Trøndelag University College, Serviceboks 2501, N-7729 Steinkjer, Norway (e-mail: [email protected]). Search for more papers by this author
S.L. THORSNES msc, bn, rn, associate professor

S.L. THORSNES msc, bn, rn, associate professor

Aalesund College of Nursing, Aalesund University College, Ålesund, Norway

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O. HARGIE cpsychol, afbpss, phd, diped, ba, professor

O. HARGIE cpsychol, afbpss, phd, diped, ba, professor

School of Communication and Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK

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First published: 04 February 2010
Citations: 11

Author contributions
Associate Professor Hildfrid V. Brataas: project leader, organization of data collection, participation in formulation of goal-based analysis, analysing and writing the paper.

Assistant Professor Sigrid L. Thorsnes: transcribing, participation in formulation of goal-based analysis, analysing and writing the paper.

Professor Owen Hargie: supervisor of research, participation in formulation of goal-based analysis, analysing and writing the paper.

The research is done on behalf of the university college institutions, Nord-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Health Science and Aalesund College of Nursing in cooperation with School of Communication and Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster.

Abstract

BRATAAS H.V., THORSNES S.L. & HARGIE O. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care19, 184–191
Themes and goals in cancer outpatient – cancer nurse consultations

Communication between nurses and patients is a pivotal dimension in cancer care. However, one aspect that has received little investigation is the nature of goal-related communications between patient and nurse. This study was designed to investigate the goal-directed communications of nurse–patient interactions in outpatient cancer clinics in Norway. The field study was a naturalistic inquiry involving audio-recordings of eight naturally occurring patient–nurse conversations. Data were content analysed for recurring communication themes and patterns of communication goals. Data revealed three main themes: the medical treatment plan, the patient's cancer situation and prognosis and the patient's psychosocial reactions to their illness. The extent to which each theme was discussed and the types of nurses' and patients' goals varied depending upon the patient's situation. Nurses should be participative in goal-setting and pay great attention to patients' goals and be particularly sensitive to signs of uncertainty. More research is required in order to fully understand the processes involved and help nurses to effectively deal with the core issues involved in these consultations.

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