Nurses’ strategies for consoling patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

     This article studied nurses’ strategies for consoling patients undergoing chemotherapy and fatigue using a qualitative approach. The data were collected by interviewing 20 nurses in Siriraj hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The results revealed a multitude of strategies used by nurses to console patients. In total, 15 strategies were identified: giving advice, offering help, boosting self, soothing, giving an explanation, offering alternative activities, suggesting, asking for cooperation, boosting confidence, identifying good points, using an example, praising, showing understanding, giving permission, and referring to significant persons in the patient’s life. The most obvious strategies were: giving advice, offering help, boosting self, soothing, and giving explanation. Patients are always very anxious due to their disease and fatigue. Therefore, giving advice and an explanation is a good strategy as patients can get information from nurses. When the patients have the correct information, they can reduce their anxiety. Encouragement and relieving were also strategies that could relieve anxiety. Moreover, helpfulness was also a main role for the nurse to adopt in caring for patients who suffer from chemotherapy and fatigue.