How physicians and nurses handle fear in children with cancer

J Pediatr Nurs. 2007 Feb;22(1):71-80. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2006.05.010.

Abstract

Previous research on fear in children with cancer has often focused on interventions to alleviate fear related to medical procedures and less on how to meet the challenges related to existential fear. This study aimed to describe how experienced nurses and physicians handle fear in children with cancer. Ten nurses and physicians with more than 10 years of experience in child oncology from a university hospital in Sweden were interviewed, and a qualitative content analysis was performed on the data. Nurses' and physicians' handling of fear encompasses commitment and closeness and yet also a distancing from fear and its expressions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Child
  • Fear*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Nursing*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Physicians*
  • Qualitative Research