Oncology nurses’ lived experiences of video communication in follow-up care of home-living patients: A phenomenological study in rural Norway

Hildfrid V Brataas,Bente Nordtug,Lisbeth Østgaard Rygg

doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101955

Abstract

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Purpose</h3> To explore the lived experiences of oncology nurses (ONs) during three months of virtual care provided through video conferencing (VC) in the follow-up care for home-living patients with cancer in rural Norway. <h3>Method</h3> An exploratory study employing a descriptive phenomenological approach conducted with a purposive sample of four ONs working in primary health care in three municipalities. Individual interviews based on open-ended questions about the ONs' experiences of VC use in follow-up care were analyzed using methodology inspired by Clark Moustakas. The COREQ checklist was utilized in this study. <h3>Results</h3> ONs provided VC as a quality-promoting supplement to traditional follow-up. Their lived experiences of the phenomenon were described by the following themes: 1) Choice of VC based on care need considerations, 2) Use of VC on portable tablets facilitated contact and frequent follow-up, and 3) Adaption of relevant virtual care in person-centered and goal-oriented practice. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The use of VC may contribute to accessible and frequent quality care and reduce the ONs' travel time for home visits. This study points to a need to individualize and assess the appropriateness of virtual care in challenging cancer situations. Furthermore, there is a need for larger-scale studies on how VC may influence quality care.

Highlights

The focus of this study is the experiences of oncology nurses (ONs)’ regarding follow-up of home-living patients with cancer using internetbased video conferencing (VC) in addition to telephone and face-to-face meetings in primary health care in rural Norway
Based on analyses of data from 140 min of interviews covering 102 units of significant text segments, our study explored whether ONs experienced virtual care as an acceptable supplement to traditional follow-up
In situations when ONs felt the use of VC was relevant, they felt they were able to still provide quality care; virtual care was considered a useful supplement to traditional follow-up

Summary

Introduction

The focus of this study is the experiences of oncology nurses (ONs)’ regarding follow-up of home-living patients with cancer using internetbased video conferencing (VC) in addition to telephone and face-to-face meetings in primary health care in rural Norway. Specialized health services have the main responsibility for cancer treatment, while primary health care services are responsible for homebased follow-up (Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services, 2009). ONs are specialized nurses with knowledge of different types of cancer and their corresponding treatments, as well as how to relieve suffering (Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, 2005). A key task for ONs is to promote self-management and quality of life among patients in all stages of disease, whether through short- or long-term follow-up (Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, 2005)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion