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Therapeutic relationships in specialist palliative care nursing practice
Deebs Canning1, John P Rosenberg, Patsy Yates
1Marie Curie Cancer Care and Thames Valley University, London, UK.
International Journal of Palliative Nursing
|June 20, 2007
Summary
This study developed a competency framework for specialist palliative care nursing in Australia. Therapeutic relationships were identified as the central domain, underpinning all other core practice areas.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Healthcare Frameworks
Background:
- Limited research exists on specialist palliative care nursing standards in Australia.
- A need was identified for a defined competency framework for this specialized nursing field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a competency framework for specialist palliative care nursing practice.
- To identify and describe the core domains of this practice.
- To explore the domain of therapeutic relationships as a foundational element.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method approach was employed.
- Included a comprehensive literature review.
- Utilized a survey with practice exemplars and interviews with specialist nurses across Australia.
Main Results:
- Five core domains of specialist palliative care nursing were identified: complex supportive care, collaborative practice, leadership, improving practice, and therapeutic relationships.
- Therapeutic relationships emerged as the central and foundational domain.
- All other identified domains were intrinsically linked to therapeutic relationships.
Conclusions:
- The developed competency framework provides a structure for specialist palliative care nursing in Australia.
- Therapeutic relationships are crucial and central to effective specialist palliative care nursing practice.
- This framework can guide education, practice, and standards for specialist palliative care nurses.
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