A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Aesthetics in Nursing Practice Among Hospitalized Cancer Patients in Nepal

Abstract

Background:Aesthetics is the art of nursing that is expressive, subjective, and visible in the act of caring in nursing practice. Aesthetics in nursing practice satisfies holistic needs and achieves the quality of whole-person care.Purpose:The aim of this study is to describe the meanings of the lived experiences of cancer patients in terms of receiving care from the perspective of aesthetics in nursing practice.Methods:The hermeneutic phenomenological approach grounded on Gadamerian philosophy guided this study. Eleven Nepalese cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria shared their experiences through graphic illustrations (drawings) and interviews. Data were analyzed and interpreted following van Manen’s phenomenological approach reflective of the four life worlds. The trustworthiness of findings was established following the criteria by Lincoln and Guba.Results:Thematic categories of the lived experience of cancer patients were revealed, reflecting the four life worlds:lived relationexpressed as being nurtured as a family;lived spaceas appreciating the healing space;lived timeas being hopeful; andlived bodyas receiving a new life. This experience was described asexperiencing self and other while appreciating the healing space, being hopeful and nurtured as family and having a new life.Implications for Practice:Aesthetics in nursing practice values on politely nurturing cancer patients as nurses’ family members in a pleasant healing environment. Further, cancer patients experience having a new life.