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Cultural Complexities in Conducting Research With Patients With Cancer: A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of
Ruishuang Zheng1, Hanfei Cui2, Yanhui Wang1
1Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Centre for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Centre for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
Aim:
To explore the cultural challenges and complexities faced by researchers conducting studies with cancer patients in the Chinese cultural context.
Design:
A descriptive qualitative study.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 nurse researchers from tertiary hospitals, medical universities, and secondary nursing colleges from all six regions in China between April 2023 and December 2024. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke.
Results:
From the analysis, two themes were developed: (i) sociocultural factors, and (ii) strategies to navigate cultural complexities. Nearly all participants reported significant difficulties in conducting research with cancer patients, stemming not only from the vulnerability associated with a cancer diagnosis, but also from the cultural taboo surrounding cancer and death, and the influential role of family members in decision-making and patient protection. Researchers emphasised the need to carefully balance family members' roles as gatekeepers, manage power dynamics with healthcare professionals, uphold patient autonomy, and communicate sensitively while maintaining research integrity. To address these challenges, participants recommended consulting family members before approaching patients, involving both patients and families throughout the research process, improving ethical training for researchers, and developing culturally sensitive ethical guidelines specific to China.
Conclusions:
Cultural traditions and norms play a significant role in shaping cancer research practices in China.
Implications For The Profession:
Developing culturally sensitive ethical guidelines specific to the Chinese context is essential to support research personnel and ensure the ethical integrity of cancer research.
Impact:
China's taboos surrounding cancer and death, and deeply embedded cultural traditions and norms, family-centred decision-making, and filial piety profoundly shape the conduct of research involving patients with cancer, particularly when a tension exists with universal ethical principles.
Reporting Method:
The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
No patient or public contribution.
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