Cancer Patient Perspectives on the Meaning of Healing and the Clinician as a Healer

Abstract

Background: The experience of living with cancer is marked by suffering and loss, which creates a need for healing. Understanding what healing means to patients and how clinicians can play a role in the healing process is essential to holistic cancer care.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of cancer patients on the meaning and experiences of healing and the qualities of a clinician and the clinician-patient relationship that are healing.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 cancer patients. Participants were asked about their illness experience, definition of healing, qualities of a healer, and relationships with clinicians that were healing. Interview transcripts were coded, and qualitative analysis was conducted to identify major themes.

Results: Participants defined the nature of healing as comprising aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Participants described healing as alleviating pain and symptoms; promoting mental strength, emotional comfort, and spiritual connection; restoring and adapting to losses; and improving quality of life. The qualities of a clinician that contributed to a healing relationship included listening, empathy and compassion, understanding patients' values and goals, and caring for the patient as a whole person.

Conclusion: Participants viewed healing as physical, psychosocial, and spiritual in nature and an important part of their cancer experience with an emphasis on quality of life. Clinicians played an important role beyond treating the cancer by helping in the healing process through their humanistic qualities and holistic approach to patient care.

Keywords: cancer; clinician-patient relationship; healing; holistic care; palliative care; quality of life.