title: Cancer rehabilitation from the perspectives of oncology nurses in Korea.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the perception of oncology nurses and how it is related to cancer rehabilitation in Korea. A qualitative study with three focus groups consisting of 6-8 Korean oncology nurses (n = 21) was conducted. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Two main themes for the attributes of cancer rehabilitation were "comprehensive activities of nurses" and "active involvement of survivors." Six subthemes from the oncology nurses' care experiences were identified: "incorporating partnership and sharing feelings," "fulfilling individualized needs," "providing timely and practical support," "enhancing internal strength with optimistic mindset," "regaining functional independence," and "getting family members in." The findings suggest that oncology nurses can play a key role in rehabilitation for cancer survivors. Nursing interventions focused on comprehensive activities of nurses as well as active involvement of survivors can be effective in enhancing cancer survivors' strength and resilience in order to lead a healthy life. Oncology nurses need to be taught a psychosocial intervention based on individualized assessment and family partnership for cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing & The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: HeeKyung
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing & The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yeon-Hwan
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011584:Psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors
keywords: cancer care; focus groups; qualitative methods; rehabilitation nursing