[Feminization of the patient in thoracic oncology and experiences of caregivers: An exploratory study]

The epidemiology of lung cancer is evolving and caregivers need to address an emerging demographic, women, sometimes presenting at a young age. The effect of this ongoing change on thoracic oncology services and on the nursing population (registered nurses and auxiliary nurses) has not been evaluated.

A quantitative analysis can help to control the biases that may have an impact on nursing staff identification with female patients. A categorical and automated qualitative study (Tropes software) of speech productions related to "difficult situations" was carried out.

Four contexts activating critical situations were identified: disagreement and conflict in care, a constraining situation of care, an overflow situation, particularly related to increased suffering of the patient and a feeling of being isolated in care delivery. Regarding the management of female patients, after the impact of disagreements in management, the feeling of care being constrained in the presence of a female patient with whom caregivers identify themselves is more significant than with regard to male patients.

Support within the care team is essential, but not sufficient. Only a practice-based training context involving peers outside the team seems to help address the most impactful situations.