Factors Influencing the Well-being of Nurses in Selected Oncology Departments of Tertiary Hospitals in Kerala, India: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction. The well-being of nurses in the field of oncology is paramount, both for the individuals themselves, also for the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to comprehend and investigate nurses' experiences in the field of oncology, to understand the factors influencing their well-being. Methods. Between January 1, 2023, and April 5, 2023, a descriptive qualitative design was employed to gather data from individual in-depth interviews with eleven nurses working in the oncology department of a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, South India. Participants were selected and recruited based on inclusion criteria and purposive sampling techniques. A semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interview was conducted to obtain the data. Codes were identified, patterns analyzed, and themes were recorded using the Colaizzi approach,  steps of thematic analysis. Results. The mean experience of the participants in the oncology department was 6.2 years and all were females. Two main themes that emerged from the analysis were Roadblocks to well-being and Concerns with satisfaction. Additionally, four sub-themes under the first theme and six under the second were identified, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by these nurses. Conclusion.The study's nurses battled occupational stress as well as physical and psychological issues, which can even reduce their quality of life. The results of this investigation provide valuable primary data for developing bio-psycho-social skill interventions for health professionals’ well-being in the oncology department.