Page 77 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research
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WOUND CARE
Findings from the qualitative telephone interviews. The findings from the four semi-
structured telephone interviews (n=4) presented an informative account of the nurse
participants’ views and experiences in clinical decision-making and inter-professional practice
in wound management. The best qualitative research focuses on meaning and understanding by
seeking to identify what people do know, for example, “how they maintain their health and what
the underlying rationality of their behavior is” (Green & Thorogood, 2009, p. 65). The
implications for patient care were considered throughout the process.
Analysis of the interview data revealed three broad categories that are presented as
themes, under an overarching theme. The major themes emerged as a result of data analysis “to
discover repetitive patterns in their context” (Polit & Beck, 2012, p. 565). The overarching
theme of “Integration and Patient-centred care” suggested the complexity of nursing role in the
area of wound management during radiotherapy. The three themes were: The context of wound
care practices in radiotherapy; Nurses’ perceived role in clinical decision-making and Nurses’
perceived role in inter-professional relationships.
The overarching theme of Integration and Patient-centred care was reflected throughout
the three subthemes. Radiation Therapy Nurses (RTNs) used integration as a key attribute in
their practice, especially in the provision of patient-centred care during radiation oncology
wound management. Integration of nursing skills and knowledge, available resources,
institutional policy and procedures is vital in the context of nursing practice, clinical decision-
making and inter-professional relationships. The salient aspects of integration and patient-
centred care were the essence of collaborative practice among team members in wound care
management during radiotherapy.
