An exploration of the communication that takes place between nurses and patients whilst cancer chemotherapy is administered

It is suggested that there is a need to structure and improve the emotional, supportive, and information-giving techniques employed by nurses.

Abstract

Existing studies indicate the importance of the communication that takes place within specific nursing procedures, but a body of knowledge in this area has yet to be developed. This study explores the verbal communication that took place when nurses were administering cytotoxic chemotherapy in a specialized gynaecological oncology unit. Most interactions were initiated by the nurses and concentrated on information giving. Detailed, clear and precise explanations were provided, reflecting the highly technical nature of the procedure. The nurses rarely made any assessment of the patients' understanding of the situation, their preconceptions, or their feelings. It is suggested that there is a need to structure and improve the emotional, supportive, and information-giving techniques employed by nurses.