CN22 - Psychological distress among patients with advanced cancer: A concept analysis

Abstract

BackgroundPsychological distress is common problem happened in advanced cancer patient. Issued of distress are often faced by health care professional when they are dealing with advanced cancer since many of unmet psychological need was identified. Unfortunately description of psychological distress in advanced cancer is not clearly mention since we know that psychological distress concept in advanced cancer is totally different with the psychological distress in the patient of early stage of cancer. Failure to acknowledge it earlier may have a great impact to patient’s quality of life. Although many articles referred and describing about psychological distress, this term is still poorly defined in the literature and has not been clearly yet. There are no articles were found about concept analysis of psychological distress among advanced cancer patients. The Purpose of this concept analysis is to clearly define psychological distress in terms of advanced cancer patients. This concept analysis could bring clarity meaning by examining various ways it is used in nursing area. Clarifying what is meant by psychological distress will help oncology nurse able to communicate among their colleagues, patients and care giver. MethodsA literature search was conducted using CINAHL, Clinical Key, and Psych Info data base for the past 30 years (1988-2018). ResultsCancer related psychological distress as a concept has limited research substation. Psychological distress in terms of advanced cancer has five defining attributes: 1) Anxiety, 2) Depression, 3) Demoralization, 4) Death anxiety and 5) Perceived in ability to cope effectively. The Primary antecedent is treatment complexity. The consequences can be negatively or positively related to concept. The most positive consequences is much appreciation of life. In another side, a negative psychological distress outcome are hopelessness, low quality of life, and reduced performance status. ConclusionsConcept analysis of psychological distress could clearly defined the meaning of psychological distress and being as a guidance for nurses to give their nursing care appropriately. Intervention should address the antecedents and consequences of the concept and considered individual as a person who has unique characteristic. Legal entity responsible for the studyThe author. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureThe author has declared no conflicts of interest.