Meaning of Cancer and Hospice Among Health Service Providers: Conflict or Congruity?

Abstract

This Q methodological study identified the subjective structure of the
meaning of cancer and hospice and explored the relationship between the
two concepts. Thirty-three participants completed a 33-item Q sort
representing their understanding of cancer. And thirty-six participants
completed a 30-iten Q sort representing their understanding of hospice.
Four subjective factors for the meaning of cancer and five subjective
factors for the meaning of hospice were identified. Factor
interpretations are presented and compared. Several considerations for
nursing educators and nurses involved in hospice care are discussed.