A Theory of Cancer Care in Healthcare Settings

This book provides healthcare professionals with a practice theory for the care and management of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. It explores what patients experience and how healthcare professionals can assist them in dealing with their uncertainty and fear as well as planning for the future. Unique to the book is its explication of the emerging theory, 'The Omnipresence of Cancer', which is set in the context of a discussion of earlier theories also concerned with cancer care. Chapters demonstrate how 'The Omnipresence of Cancer' has been developed, validated through research and being further tested in relation to cancer care. In particular, a chapter on philosophical reflections using theory to produce knowledge for practice is included. Each chapter provides essential background, a synthesis of the current state of knowledge, and practice examples associated with cancer care. The combination of theoretical reflection and practice examples is designed to promote comprehension and guidance on implementation of the theory, as well as recommendations for practice. This book will be of significant interest to healthcare students and professionals working in the field of cancer care and oncology, particularly healthcare professionals working in advanced practice roles and nurse educators. It is also anticipated that professionals working in pastoral care, occupational therapy, social work and radiography will be interested in this book.

Dr Maya Shaha is a senior lecturer at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr Shaha teaches nursing theory and also supervises students studying at Masters and Doctoral level. Dr Shaha also serves as a scientific collaborator in the Department of Nursing Development of the Inselspital, Bern University Hospital in Switzerland. Dr Carol L. Cox is a Professor Emeritus at City University, London. She has been involved in teaching and research at various universities in the United Kingdom, Norway and the United States of America since 1987. Dr Cox practices as a nurse and instructs students and recent graduates (nursing, medicine, pharmaceutical and physiotherapy) at the Health and Hope Clinic in Pensacola, Florida, USA.

1. An Introduction to Theory. Theory formation for practice 2. Phenomenology and Theory Formation, With Reference to Health Care. 3. Existing Theories in Cancer Care 4. Theory of The Omnipresence of Cancer. Including two Concepts Uncertainty and Transitoriness 5. Ethical Dimensions of the Theory. The Omnipresence of Cancer 6. Transitoriness. instrument Development 7. Coping Strategies in Cancer Patients 8. Uncertainty in Cancer Patients 9. Spirituality in Healthcare Provision 10. Epilogue