Nursing Presence: Cancer Patients' Perspectives

Background Throughout the history, concept of presence has been discussed in religion and philosophy. Although there are some professional definitions of nursing presence, as a sort of nurses` attitudes, interventions, or... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Throughout the history, concept of presence has been discussed in religion and philosophy. Although there are some professional definitions of nursing presence, as a sort of nurses` attitudes, interventions, or communication styles, there is a limited description from patients` perspective in nursing literature.
Aim of the Study
This study aimed to determine nursing presence through cancer patients` perspective in the context of Humanistic Nursing Theory.
Method
Study was a qualitative phenomenological research. Sample was adult cancer patients hospitalized at two oncology hospitals both in Ankara, Turkey. Inclusion criteria of study were aged 18 years and older, fully oriented and conscious, hospitalized for at least 5 days. Sample size were determined with data saturation, and thus, 16 patients in total were interviewed face-to-face. Data were collected with semi-structured in-depth interview. Interview questionnaire was derived from Paterson and Zderad`s Humanistic Nursing Theory concept. Each interview was made with an appointment, took approximately 60-75 minutes; and all of interviews were audio-taped. Data were collected between the dates 15th October to 30th November, 2013. Records were transcribed verbatim, and data analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Hacettepe University`s Ethics Committee approved our research protocol. Patients had given written and verbal informed consent.
Findings
There were three main categories found from the point of cancer patients’ perspective;
1. Nurses` attentiveness to the patients, and nurses` awareness for patients
2. Nurses` consideration for patients` `here and now,’
3. Nurses` openness and availability.
Nurses’ verbal and nonverbal communication features were evaluated as nurses` attentiveness by patients. Nurses` consciousness of patients’ concern and not making them anxious during nursing interventions were evaluated as a consideration of nurses. Physically and beyond physically being with patients were determined as availability. Patients stated that the interaction, as listed above, with nurses make them feel comfortable, confident, high-spirited, cared and satisfied with nursing care.
Conclusion
Patients perceive nursing presence in context of the relationship`s quality between nurses and their selves, and their feelings about interaction are influenced by the way of nurses’ communication style and behaviors.