Cancer rehabilitation from the perspectives of oncology nurses in Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the perception of oncology nurses and how it is related to cancer rehabilitation in Korea. A qualitative study with three focus groups consisting of 6-8 Korean oncology nurses (n=21) was conducted. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Two main themes for the attributes of cancer rehabilitation were comprehensive activities of nurses and active involvement of survivors. Six subthemes from the oncology nurses' care experiences were identified: incorporating partnership and sharing feelings, fulfilling individualized needs, providing timely and practical support, enhancing internal strength with optimistic mindset, regaining functional independence, and getting family members in. The findings suggest that oncology nurses can play a key role in rehabilitation for cancer survivors. Nursing interventions focused on comprehensive activities of nurses as well as active involvement of survivors can be effective in enhancing cancer survivors' strength and resilience in order to lead a healthy life. Oncology nurses need to be taught a psychosocial intervention based on individualized assessment and family partnership for cancer survivors.