Gynecologic Oncology Nurses’ Experiences of Truth-Telling to Patients: A Phenomenological Study

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BACKGROUND: Cancer nursing provides individuals with comprehensive support physically, emotionally, and ethically. Gynecologic oncology nursing is a complex field that is intertwined with the female body and privacy, requiring expertise and ethical sensitivity; therefore, telling patients the truth poses challenges ethically. However, studies focusing on nursing experiences in this field are limited, and the current knowledge base is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to explore the experiences of gynecologic oncology nurses in truth-telling to patients. METHODS: A phenomenological qualitative design was used. This study was completed with 16 nurses working in the gynecologic oncology clinic of a training and research hospital who were selected through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected between March and April 2024 through face-to-face interviews using a "Descriptive Information Form" and a "Semi-Structured Interview Form." The data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: All of the nurses were female, with ages ranging from 24 to 49 years. Five main themes and 15 subthemes were identified. The main themes were defined as: "Situations in which truth-telling dilemmas are experienced," "Feelings associated with not telling the truth to the patient," "Perspectives on truth-telling," "Reasons for not telling the truth," and "Ways of avoiding truth-telling." CONCLUSION: Gynecologic oncology nurses face ethical dilemmas in telling the truth and often provide limited information. IMPLICATIONS FOR ONCOLOGY NURSING PRACTICE: This study identifies the challenges nurses face and determines the need for communication and ethical support; thus, it enables nurses to establish accurate and effective communication strategies with patients.