Suggesting a Practical Theory to Oncology Nurses: Case Report of a Child in Discomfort

Abstract

Purpose: Children with cancer are faced with many challenges related to their disease that disturbs their comfort. The aim of this study was to apply Kolcaba's comfort theory for a child with cancer.

Design: A case study design was used.

Methods: We applied Kolcaba's comfort theory for a young boy with cancer who was sad and in discomfort because of intravenous access procedures. Following Kolcaba's taxonomy of needs for comfort in the spiritual and mental level, we designed a new intervention.

Findings: Kolcaba's comfort theory is an appropriate approach which not only helps to assess and evaluate comfort holistically but also assists in performing innovative interventions to provide comfort for children with cancer.

Conclusions: Kolcaba's comfort theory is a practical theory for oncology nurses.

Clinical relevance: Nursing theories can improve the quality of clinical care.

Keywords: Kolcaba’s comfort theory; cancer; oncology nurses.