Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Beyond Everyday Small Talk: A Qualitative Study on Registered Nurses' Confidential Conversations in Palliative Care
Tove Stenman1, Ylva Rönngren1, Ulla Näppä1
1Department of Health Sciences; Nursing Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.
Aim:
To explore and gain a deeper understanding of how registered nurses in palliative care develop personal and professional approaches in confidential conversations with patients.
Design:
A qualitative study using focus groups.
Method:
Between March and May 2024, 22 registered nurses working in specialised palliative care in the northern region of Sweden participated in five focus groups. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive description.
Findings:
Registered nurses pursued meaningful, supportive interactions during confidential conversations. Their reflections revealed vulnerabilities and the importance of continuous self-reflection, fostering growth, resilience and professional development. They sought ways to process emotional challenges, from individual reflection to peer discussions and structured supervision, refining their approaches. Four themes emerged: balancing external demands with inner motivation, recognising personal limitations, managing compassion with professional responsibility and gradually building trust.
Conclusion:
Reflection and continuous professional development are essential for navigating confidential conversations in palliative care. These practices help registered nurses balance empathy with boundaries whilst managing emotional and professional challenges. Peer support and shared learning, as well as fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience can enhance care quality and promote sustained professional growth across healthcare settings.
Implications For The Profession And/Or Patient Care:
This study highlights the emotional challenges registered nurses face in confidential conversations with patients at the end of life. Reflection and support help them handle these challenges and promote person-centred care by enabling patients to express their inner thoughts and wishes. The findings apply to palliative care and other settings caring for patients at the end of life.
Reporting Method:
Findings were reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
01:25Ethical Standards I
The Code of Ethics provisions outline the nurse's duty to the patient, the healthcare team, the profession, and society. The Code's fundamental principles include advocacy,...
01:27Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:23Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II
Communication between nurses and...
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...