The Perceptions of Nurses, Patients and Family Members Regarding Nurses' Empathetic Behaviours Towards Patients Suffering From Cancer: A Descriptive Qualitative Study Publisher



Ashouri E¹ ; Taleghani F¹ ; Memarzadeh M² ; Saburi M³ ; Babashahi F⁴
Source: Journal of Research in Nursing Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Although evidence suggests that empathic behaviour is an essential component in nursing care that affects the psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, it remains a neglected issue in nursing in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on 33 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and were then analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Findings: Three categories of data thus emerged, comprising: (a) empathetic attention; (b) empathetic presence; and (c) the facilitators of empathetic behaviour. Conclusions: The findings can help oncology nurses provide more empathetic care to patients and their family members. © The Author(s) 2018.