Pain and the dying process: nurses’ perspectives using the creative and sensible method

Abstract

Aim: to describe the possibilities of nursing care for the terminally ill oncology patient from the perspective of the nursing team. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory study, using a qualitative approach. To gather the data, we used the creative and sensible method, through a group dynamic called Almanac. The data obtained was later analyzed based on French discourse analysis theory. Results: The discourses of the nursing professionals point to a preoccupation with pain management and the comfort of the terminally ill oncology patient, proposing the adoption of pharmaceutical therapy, as well as recreational activities and multidisciplinary actions to minimize the pain. Discussion: Based on the nurses’ perspectives of pain management, solidarity and sensibility are demonstrated to be motivational elements for professionals, in order to find strategies that enable some quality in the dying process. Conclusion: We are able to foresee the possibility of providing a dignified death for people diagnosed with a neoplastic illness who do not have any chance of survival, even though sometimes the nurses are faced with limitations in how to approach the ideal holistic healthcare.