Researching the lived experiences of cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds

Rowan, Sara; Moffatt, Christine; Olden, Anthony

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.

Citation

Rowan, S., Moffatt, C., & Olden, A. (2015). Researching the lived experiences of cancer patients with malignant fungating wounds. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 21(12), https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.12.579

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 20, 2015
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2015
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 11, 2016
• Journal: International Journal of Pallative Nursing
• Electronic ISSN: 1357-6321
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 12
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.12.579
• Keywords: Death and dying, Cancer patients, Malignant fungating wounds, Researching
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/768357
• Publisher URL: http://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/10.12968/ijpn.2015.21.12.579