AN EXPLORATION OF THE COMMUNICATION THAT TAKES PLACE BETWEEN NURSES AND PATIENTS WHILE CANCER-CHEMOTHERAPY IS ADMINISTERED

Existing studies indicate the importance of the communication that tak es place within specific nursing procedures, but a body of knowledge i n this area has yet to be developed. This study explores the verbal co mmunication that took place when nurses were administering cytotoxic c hemotherapy in a specialized gynaecological oncology unit. Most intera ctions were initiated by the nurses and concentrated on information gi ving. Detailed, clear and precise explanations were provided, reflecti ng the highly technical nature of the procedure. The nurses rarely mad e anp assessment of the patients' understanding of the situation, thei r preconceptions, or their feelings. It is suggested that there is a n eed to structure and improve the emotional, supportive, and informatio n-giving techniques employed by nurses.