Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 17, 2011
Contact nurses' experiences of using the BETTER model to address sexuality issues with cancer patients - A study
Linda Åkerström Wenneberg1, Cecilia Olsson2, Anna Josse Eklund1
1Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, SE-651 88, Karlstad, Sweden.
Background:
Contact Nurses in Cancer Care (CNCCs) are well-positioned to address patients' concerns regarding sexual health, but many lack the tools and confidence to initiate such conversations.
Aim:
To explore how CNCCs perceive the use of the BETTER model as a new practice for integrating discussions of sexuality into cancer care.
Methods:
Data were collected from 37 CNCCs through video-recorded educational seminars, written reflections, and focus group interviews. A directed qualitative content analysis was conducted, guided by the four constructs of the Normalization Process Theory: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring.
Results:
The BETTER model was perceived as a valuable tool for initiating conversations about sexuality. The CNCCs highlighted the importance of personal reflection, peer support, and managerial backing. Time constraints and structural barriers were identified as key challenges to implementation. Many CNCCs viewed themselves as clinical champions, advocating for the sustained integration of the model into practice.
Conclusion:
Communication tools such as the BETTER model can enhance CNCCs' confidence and competence in addressing sexual health. Successful implementation requires organizational support and recognition of CNCCs' roles as facilitators of change. The Normalization Process Theory proved useful in understanding the implementation process, even across diverse clinical settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
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...
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...
01:27Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...