Nursing Care Behaviours and Challenges Faced During Truth-Telling: A Phenomenological Study

The process of truth-telling in nursing, particularly in the fields of oncology and intensive care, is a critical yet complex process that encompasses ethical principles, effective communication and emotional support. It involves significant challenges during the transmission of difficult information to both patients and their families.

This study aimed to examine the care behaviours of nurses working in oncology and intensive care units during truth-telling and to identify the challenges they experience in this process.

This study was conducted using the phenomenological design. Sixteen nurses from different hospitals in Türkiye were selected through purposive sampling. Maximum variation sampling was utilized to ensure the widest possible diversity among participants. In-depth interviews were used for data collection, and the data were analysed using the traditional descriptive phenomenological approach. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist for qualitative research reporting.

The study was conducted with 16 nurses from various age groups working in oncology and intensive care clinics of different hospitals in Türkiye. Study data were analysed, and three themes were elicited: the first thing that comes to the Light of Truth, the Language of Care and the Thorn of the Rose.

It was determined that nurses used care behaviours, such as understanding the individual during truth-telling, empathic listening to give spiritual support, showing respect, establishing open communication, answering questions, relieving concerns, showing a friendly approach and therapeutic touch. Coping with the emotional responses of patients-relatives/the family and their own emotions during truth-telling was the most challenging situation for nurses.