Nurses' Perceptions on Cancer Patients' Loneliness : Loneliness
Bandawe, Upendo (2010)
Bandawe, Upendo
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2010
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201004066160
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201004066160
Tiivistelmä
Loneliness is an overwhelming feeling experienced by cancer patients at the end of their journey. Recognising this helps in preparing patient’s peaceful death. The purpose of this study was to describe nurses’ perceptions on cancer patients’ loneliness. A qualitative research method used in the study. The thesis topic originated from the project “Experiences of Loneliness”, which was innovated by Espoo city. The data collected from nursing home for terminally ill patients based in Helsinki from February to March 2009.
A total number of 7 nurses participated in answering open questions in writing, both in Finnish and in English. The Finnish data translated into English before being analysed. A translator and Finnish to English dictionary used to translate Finnish translations into English. The method of data analysis is qualitative content analysis.
The findings are categorised as social loneliness, psychological loneliness, physiological loneliness, spiritual loneliness and involvement. Nurses described cancer patient’s feelings such as insecurity, acceptance, and altered role. In addition, nurses describe physical pain and feeling of isolation plays significant role in an individual’s loneliness. The study showed the handling methods offered by nurses are family involvement, patient’s own pet, and recently developed program for patients peer group.
A total number of 7 nurses participated in answering open questions in writing, both in Finnish and in English. The Finnish data translated into English before being analysed. A translator and Finnish to English dictionary used to translate Finnish translations into English. The method of data analysis is qualitative content analysis.
The findings are categorised as social loneliness, psychological loneliness, physiological loneliness, spiritual loneliness and involvement. Nurses described cancer patient’s feelings such as insecurity, acceptance, and altered role. In addition, nurses describe physical pain and feeling of isolation plays significant role in an individual’s loneliness. The study showed the handling methods offered by nurses are family involvement, patient’s own pet, and recently developed program for patients peer group.