Researching the lived experiences of cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds

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Rowan, S., Moffatt, C. ORCID: 0000-0002-2436-0129 and Olden, A., 2015. Researching the lived experiences of cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 21 (12), pp. 579-585. ISSN 1357-6321

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.12.579

Abstract

Background: Researching the experiences of terminally ill patients with disfiguring wounds is likely to be a challenge anywhere, and this investigation came face-to-face with different attitudes on the part of both patients and nurses and doctors in England (the South-East) and Italy (Tuscany).

Aim: To highlight the complexity of researching sensitive subjects and the difficulties encountered from the perspective of the researcher(s).

Methods: Fourteen patients were interviewed. In England access was relatively straightforward, with nurses linked to the hospice doing most of the recruitment. Access was more difficult in Italy, with some doctors expressing opposition.

Discussion: How ethical is it to treat dying patients as subjects for research? How does research of this kind vary from one culture to another?

Conclusions: Interviewees can find it therapeutic to talk about their experiences to a sympathetic listener—although the listening does pose a considerable strain on the researcher.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

International Journal of Palliative Nursing

Creators:

Rowan, S., Moffatt, C. and Olden, A.

Publisher:

MA Healthcare Limited

Date:

2015

Volume:

Number: