Cancer patient's experiences towards nurse's caring demeanor based on Watson's theory: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective

To explore the cancer patient's experiences towards the nurse's caring demeanor based on Watson's theory.

Method

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in this study. Eight participants from a large hospital were recruited through a process of purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged from this study: (1) Development of a helping-trusting relationship; (2) Supportive of faith-hope; (3) Unprotective environment; and (4) Lack of interpersonal teaching.

Conclusion

Most of Watson's theory-based caring demeanor was well-performed by oncology nurses included in this study. Even so, there were still some shortcomings in delivering caring. It is important to provide a training program to enhance nurses’ knowledge of interpersonal teaching for cancer patients.