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Consolation in conjunction with incurable cancer
Ulrica Langegard1, Karin Ahlberg
1Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Institute of Health and Care Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy at Goteborg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. ulrica.langegard@gu.se
Oncology Nursing Forum
|March 11, 2009
Summary
Patients with incurable cancer find consolation through connection, self-control, affirmation, and acceptance. Experiencing "being seen" by healthcare providers offers relief and enhances well-being, highlighting the importance of mental presence and active listening.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Oncology Nursing
- Patient Well-being
Background:
- Understanding patient experiences is crucial in palliative care.
- Incurable cancer presents unique challenges to patient well-being.
- Consolation plays a vital role in managing end-of-life suffering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore what patients with incurable cancer find consoling.
- To deepen the understanding of patient-reported sources of comfort during illness.
- To identify key elements that contribute to patient consolation.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive, cross-sectional study utilizing semistructured interviews.
- Constant comparative method of analysis applied to interview data.
- 10 patients with incurable cancer participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Four emergent categories of consolation: connection, self-control, affirmation, and acceptance.
- The core concept identified was "being seen," encompassing these four categories.
- Feeling "seen" and understood by another person leads to relief and increased well-being.
Conclusions:
- Active listening and mental presence are more important than physical contact for consolation.
- Nurses' perceived time, interest, and commitment are vital for establishing a consoling relationship.
- Caregivers require creativity, knowledge, and courage to provide effective consolation, even without a prior relationship.
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