WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care

A collaboration between Curtin University and Edith Cowan University

Completed Research Project

Optimising the emotional comfort of hospitalised patients: Exploring the feasibility and effect of a coordinated approach to psychosocial care

Investigators: Williams A M, Kristjanson LJ, Jessup J, Ransom D & Terry S.

Funding: Edith Cowan University Industry Collaborative Scheme and St John of God Hospital, Subiaco ($79,431)

Administering institution: Edith Cowan University

Abstract: This project aimed at optimising the emotional comfort of patients receiving treatment for cancer in an  inpatient hospital setting. A senior Registered Nurse was appointed to provide leadership and direction for all staff (professional and non-professional) employed on a 31 bed oncology ward. The role of this nurse was to coordinate, educate and monitor the interactions of staff with patients. This nurse was also available to provide additional support to specific patients assessed in most need. Educational workshops were facilitated by this nurse and were based on a recently developed Western Australian research-based framework of emotional care delivery.

Using the Action Research method, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate the feasibility and effect of the new approach to emotional care. An instrument was developed and tested to specifically evaluate the patients’ experiences of interpersonal interactions experienced and was named “Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation “(PEECH). Eleven bi-weekly audits using the PEECH were conducted. One hundred and forty six patients completed the instrument. Formal tape-recorded interviews with 10 of the staff and two patients were also carried out. Six staff attended two feedback sessions that took place at the end of the project. 

The newly introduced nursing role was found to be a valuable and necessary resource for cancer patients. The delivery of emotional care on the study ward was improved by the education workshops, together with the leadership provided by the senior nurse who became a clinical champion for emotional care.