Author:

Keywords:

Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Ethics, History & Philosophy Of Science, Social Sciences - Other Topics, History & Philosophy of Science, Oncology, Patients, Perceptions, "The good nurse", Nursing, Care-Q instrument, CANCER-PATIENTS, CARE, STAFF, IMAGES, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attitude to Health, Belgium, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Nurse-Patient Relations, Oncology Nursing, Psychometrics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult, CARING BEHAVIORS, QUALITY CARE, PERSPECTIVES, 1117 Public Health and Health Services, 2203 Philosophy, Applied Ethics, 5001 Applied ethics

Abstract:

The image of "the good nurse" is mainly studied from the perspective of nurses, which often does not match the image held by patients. Therefore, a descriptive study was conducted to examine oncology patients' perceptions of "the good nurse" and the influence of patient- and context-related variables. A cross-sectional, comparative, descriptive design was used. The sample comprised 557 oncology patients at one of six Flemish hospitals, where they were treated in an oncology day-care unit, oncology hospital ward, or palliative care unit. Data were collected using the Flemish Care-Q instrument. Factor analysis summarised the most important characteristics of "the good nurse". We reassessed the reliability and construct validity of the Flemish Care-Q and examined the influence of patient- and context-related variables on patient perceptions. Using factor analysis, we grouped the different items of the Flemish Care-Q according to three characteristics: "the good nurse" (I) has a supportive and communicative attitude towards patient and family, (II) is competent and employs a professional attitude, and (III) demonstrates personal involvement towards patient and family. Median factor scores of Factors I, II, and III, respectively, were 8.00, 9.00, and 8.00 (varying from 1, not important, to 10, very important). In order of importance, Factors II, I, and III were identified as valuable characteristics of "the good nurse". Gender, care setting, and province were influential variables. As perceived by oncology patients, "the good nurse" has a broad range of qualities, of which competence and professionalism are the most valuable.