Nursing Interventions in Promoting Self-Management of Cancer Pain in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya
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Date
2024-02
Authors
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Approximately 60% of cancer patients attending outpatients’ clinics experience
severe unremitting pain hence self-management of cancer pain is critical. Nurses play
an important role in treatment, pain management, and promotion of self-care of
patients of cancer patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate Nursing interventions
in promoting self-management of cancer pain at Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County,
Kenya. This was a qualitative study that utilized case study approach. Data was
collected using interview guides. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit the
nurses for the study as only nurses working in the oncology unit for a period of not
less than six months were interviewed. The qualitative data were sorted out according
to the themes that emerged from each objective. All the study participants were aware
of the definition of self-management of cancer pain, based on their experiences, to be
the capability of a patient in handling their pain. The respondents also agreed that self management of cancer pain was of outmost importance. It was revealed that self management of pain was crucial in not only preventing excessive use of medication
but also in preventing abuse of analgesics and opioids. The participants described that
the nurses’ competencies, attitudes, and skills are a key determinant in offering
support to cancer patients in self-management of cancer pain. On the assistance
offered by the nurses in self-management of pain, each participant reported to assist
their patients differently. The main intervention nurses used in supporting cancer
patients in self-management of cancer pain were a multidisciplinary approach
involving all the health care providers, pharmacological counselling and patient
education. The strategies that were agreed to work well were ensuring that the patients
have family support, continued education, support groups and also proper follow-up.
On the strategies that were not effective, the use of herbal medication was pointed out.
The study concludes that in order for nurses to effectively help patients manage cancer
pain, their knowledge, attitudes and expertise are crucial. The study also concludes
that nurses’ interventions in self-management of cancer can help improve patient
outcomes and their quality of life.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Oncology Nursing) in the School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University February, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Priscilla Kabue
2. Jacob Masika