Guaranteed returns: investing in conversations with families of patients with cancer.
Cancer can be considered a "family affair" because a cancer diagnosis affects patients and their families. A patient's family is comprised of the individuals that the patient identifies as family and may include people not biologically related to the patient. Although nurses play a key role in communicating with patients and their families, many lack confidence in their ability to provide emotional support. In addition, many educational resources are available to address the hands-on care of patients with cancer, but few are available to educate nurses about specific interventions that can be used in conversations with families. This article reviews practical suggestions to guide these conversations and provides examples of questions to ask to facilitate communication.
Duhamel
Fabie
F
fabie.duhamel@umontreal.ca
Dupuis
France
F
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology