STRATEGIES SUPPORTING THE HEALTH PROCESS AS EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN WITH A LIFE THREATENING DISEASE AND EXCELLENT NURSES

Development of basic knowledge about patients ’ own health strategies and the impact of professional caring/nursing on the health process are considered essential in order to improve nursing care to people in need of that service. The aim of this licentiate thesis is to explore and describe patients ’ health strategies when stricken by a possible terminal disease and the impact of professional caring/nursing on the process illuminated from both patients ’ and nurses ’ perspectives. Three studies were conducted within the qualitative paradigm, due to the kind of scientific knowledge wanted. Two methods were used, a descriptive phenomenological method, and a descriptive exploratory method. Ten Danish women, suffering from breast cancer, and sixteen Swedish excellent nurses were interviewed. The patients ' health strategies appeared to be dependent on their determination to go on living. In the health process, it was found imperative that the patient worked actively, created something to live for, and achieved a harmonious relationship with supportive significant others and nature. In the process the patient experienced awareness and avoidance and gaine