Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng NHY(1), Ng SH(2), Yung CY(3), Yim HY(2), Lee WH(3), Fu WL(3), Wong CK(2), Tang YY(2), Kong CY(2), Wan OM(3), Wong R(2), Ko PS(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Services Division, (2) Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, (3) Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Patients with newly diagnosed condition may be stressed by the bad news. Adjustment to the loss brought about by the illness may vary among individuals. Compassionate nursing care is needed to help patients get through the grieving process and comply to the follow-up care. A Nursing carE kiT(NET) which contains care reminder and communication cue card was developed to assist nurses to support patients after breaking bad news(BBN).
Objectives :
(1) To facilitate identification of patient’s need;(2) to provide guidance on appropriate interventions to support patients; and (3) to improve patient’s care by enhancing nurses’ communication with patients post BBN.
Methodology :
Pilot use of the NET in one Gynaecology and three Orthopaedic wards of United Christian Hospital. Subjects were patients with newly diagnosed condition that may lead to major impact or death, such as severe cord compassion or cancer. Outcome measures were satisfaction surveys (patients and nurses) and qualitative feedback from nurses.
Result & Outcome :
From September to October 2021, 8 patients were recruited. 87.5% were female. Age ranged from 28 to 67 years old. Most(62.5%) were related to cancer condition. Apart from patients, the significant other of two patients were also interviewed. Half of the patients were not fully clear about their conditions, including prognosis and treatment plan after BBN. 75% of patients reacted to the bad news with fear, sadness and worries. Gawk and low mood were found in 25% of patients. Loss of working or self-care abilities are most worried in 62.5% of patients. All had no suicidal risk. Nursing interventions offered were appropriate to patient’s needs. Regarding the NET, positive responses were collected from patients and nurses with overall satisfaction score 4.6 and 3.9 out of 5 respectively. Patients were most satisfied that nurses could help them understand their conditions and treatment plan and address their emotional needs. Nurses reported that the NET could help them aware of patients’ suffering, identify patients' needs, and assist them to build trusting relationship with patients. Conclusion: The NET appeared to be feasible to assist nurses in supporting patients after BBN in Gynecology and Orthopedic wards. Further refinement of the NET and training on compassionate communication are recommended for adoption in all departments.
