A time to weep and a time to laugh: humour in the nurse-patient relationship in an adult cancer setting

Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Mary Anne Lagmay TanayEmma Ream

Abstract

The literature highlights the value of humour in health-care settings. Humour impacts on the physiological, psychosocial and cognitive well-being of a person. The diagnosis of cancer is extremely stressful, and treatments are difficult. Patients and nurses may use humour as a coping mechanism to contend with the stresses caused directly or indirectly by cancer. This study investigated the use of humour during interactions between patients and nurses in an adult cancer ward. This study used a modified ethnographic methodology that included fieldwork participant observation and informal interviews (n=30 h) and formal interviews (n=10). In total, 9 nurses and 12 patients participated in participant observation. From these, five nurses and five patients were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings highlighted the importance of humour in the nurse-patient relationship. Patients consciously use humour during nurse-patient interactions in an attempt to help nurses cope with the stress they encounter in clinical practice. Patients perceive having a sense of humour as a positive nurse attribute. Nurses expressed concerns regarding compromising professionalism when using humour and felt the need for guidance fro...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 1, 2016·Qualitative Health Research·Andrea C SchöpfMary A Keating
Oct 20, 2018·JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports·Li Hui TayDora Siew Ping Lang
Apr 1, 2020·International Journal of Mental Health Nursing·Alannah L CooperGavin D Leslie
Jun 10, 2021·Journal of Medicine and Life·Mahbubeh BabazadehTahereh Boroun

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