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DOI: 10.1191/0969733006ne873oa Cancer Patients Perception of Being or Not Being ConfirmedOslo University College, Oslo, Norway, Dagfinn.Naden{at}su.hio.no
Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Health Enterprise, Oslo, Norway The aim of this study was to obtain in-depth knowledge about caring confirmation of patients with cancer, from the patients point of view. The research topic was: what is the significance for patients of their being confirmed by nursing personnel? Fifteen men and women between 43 and 80 years of age participated in this study. The method of data collection used was qualitative research interviewing. A hermeneutic approach was used to interpret the data, in which Kvales self-perception, the common sense level, and theoretical levels were applied. The results are summarized in three areas: an outer confirmation, an inner confirmation, and a lack of the latter. Outer confirmation meant being understood and taken seriously; the maintenance of human dignity and worth indicated inner confirmation. A lack of inner confirmation is primarily manifest in terms of patients mental, spiritual and existential concerns. In relation to the theory of Eriksson, these patients were confirmed at the level of having and being, but seldom at the level of becoming.
Key Words: cancer confirmation dignity patients perception suffering
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