Supportive Communication Between Emerging Adults With Cancer and Nurses During Diagnosis and Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background Having a cancer diagnosis during early adulthood can be a significant challenge for an individual. Nurses’ supportive communication plays a vital role during the diagnosis and treatment period to lessen psychological distress and promote coping. Objective This exploratory study aimed to examine (1) the experiences of emerging adults with cancer (EAs) aged between 18 and 25 years in communicating with nurses during diagnosis and treatment and (2) nurses’ experiences of providing supportive communication with this patient group. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with EAs and nurses with experience caring for this patient group. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by interpretive hermeneutic perspectives. Results Eight EA participants and 7 nurse participants participated in interviews. Five themes emerged: (1) having casual conversations with nurses helped EAs cope during cancer treatment and (2) helped EAs fulfill the need for social connectedness, (3) nurses as a different form of peer-like support, (4) nurses used themselves as a therapeutic tool to foster trust and emotional safety of EAs, and (5) nurses needed to maintain professional boundaries while being compassionate. Conclusions This study highlighted a rather underdocumented aspect of supportive communication: meeting psychosocial needs through casual, day-to-day conversations. Implications for Practice Having casual conversations with nurses appeared to help EAs’ psychological coping during cancer treatment. These casual conversations, which on the surface seemed clinically insignificant, fulfilled their psychosocial needs. Considering the valuable interpersonal engagement that led to emotional benefits for EAs, communication training for cancer nurses needs to build their capacity to maintain both relational and emotional boundaries.