Kolcaba's comfort theory in the care of client with breast cancer / Ailen C. Dungog.

Thesis (Master in Nursing, major in Maternal and Child Nursing) -- Cebu Normal University, March 2009.

TITLE: KOLCABA?S COMFORT THEORY IN THE CARE OF CLIENT WITH BREAST CANCER
AUTHOR: Ailen C. Dungog, RN
SCHOOL: Cebu Normal University
DEREE: Master in Nursing
Major in Maternal and Child Nursing
ADVISER: Dr. Fleoy T. Ysmael
YEAR COMPLETED: 2009

The case study was conducted to utilize the Kocaba?s comfort theory in the care of client with breast cancer.
The case study answered the following queries: What is the psychopathophysiological background of the client?s illness? 2. What are the health care needs of the client in terms of first level dimension which are relief, ease and transcendence and the second level dimension which are physical, psychospiritual, environmental and sociocultural? What are the comfort measures provided to the client in terms of technical, coaching and comforting? And what desirable outcome have the comfort measures enhanced the client?s condition?

The study utilized the descriptive method of research through a case study. It was conducted at the Cebu City Medical Center, Female Surgical Ward with 15 bed capacity. Furthermore, it is located at the left wing of the 2nd floor of the said facility.
The researcher started with a 50-hour intensive practicum duty at the said facility. This was made possible through the request given by the dean of the graduate school, Dr. Floriza N. Laplap, to the chief of Cebu City Medical Center, Dr. Grace T. Go through the chief nurse, Mrs. Lyrma S. Soledad.

The study revealed that comfort measures were provided to the identified health care needs in order for the client to achieve and enhanced comfort.
In physical comfort needs, the client was able to have a better bowel pattern. She verbalized self-acceptance towards the changes in her body image as she had undergone surgery. She also showed cooperation and participation in doing passive exercises.
In psychospiritual comfort needs, self esteem attained an enhanced comfort through verbalization of negative evaluation of self and reasons for the problems. She felt relaxed and verbalized feelings of fears in life. She showed participation in the activities and was able to seek relationships to overcome spiritual distress.
In environmental comfort need, the client was able to adjust her lifestyles to have an improved sleeping pattern. She understood the presence of factors that causes disturbances in her sleep and was able to adopt ways in order for her to be rested at an appropriate time.
In sociocultural comfort needs, the client was able to engage in social activities and involved herself in the interactions where she viewed this as meaningful to overcome loneliness. She was able to understand and accepted the changes in her role. She expressed feelings and demonstrated involvement in problem solving to restore her normal role performance in the family.

The health care needs identified of the client with breast cancer were intervened through utilization of Kolcaba?s Comfort Theory. Henceforth, comfort measure were provided through technical, coaching and comforting. Thereby, the patient?s comfort were enhanced through relief, ease and transcendence.

1. That the Nursing Service Department should conduct seminar using Kolcaba?s Comfort Theory whereby comprehensive nursing intervention can be developed in the care of breast cancer clients.
2. That the Kolcaba?s Comfort Theory will be integrated in the nursing curriculum wherein the students will utilize the application of comfort care plan.
3. That there will be further researches that will be conducted in other fields utilizing Kolcaba?s Comfort Theory.