Affiliation:
1. Universidade do Porto, Portugal
2. Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Portugal
3. Escola Superior de Saúde, Portugal
4. Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto, Portugal
5. Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, Portugal
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective to understand, in the light of Betty Neuman’s Systems Model, the experience of a woman-mother with cancer, and identify the woman-mother’s needs and prescribe nursing interventions in classified language. Method a qualitative case study of a woman-mother of a teenager experiencing cancer. Data collection carried out in Coimbra, Portugal, in 2021, through a semi-structured interview, supported by a script based on Betty Neuman’s Systems Model. Data processing performed based on categorical content analysis. Results the analysis of a mother’s speech made it possible to identify categories in agreement with the model variables: physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual and developmental. The difficulties most expressed by the mother were fear, changes caused by the disease and parental role performance. The nursing diagnoses were defined based on the focuses “acceptance of health status”, “fear”, “parental role” and “family coping”, associating them with the respective nursing interventions. Interventions focused on support and education. Conclusion the theoretical model contributed to understanding and identifying the needs of a mother experiencing parental cancer, facilitating the prescription of nursing interventions in classified language. The model proved to be relevant for future interventions in parents experiencing similar situations.