COPING STRATEGIES AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND NURSE ROLE

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalence and mortal tumor amound women in our country.This disease causes an enourmous emotional impact, wich is why patients use several coping strategies to avoid distress and a psychological mismatch. Nurses are the staff that spend most time with this patients, therefore, they need to have proper training and education to be able to help these women, giving them the resources they need to face their emotional needs.

Methodology: Bibliographic review in which the following databases were used: Medline, Scielo and Academic Google. Articles with year of publishment 2015-2019 were selected, both spanish and english, with free access and that mentioned emotional coping strategies in patients who were diagnosticed with breast cancer. A total of 12 articles were selected.

Results: A total of 12 articles were selected. In general, women diagnosticed with breast cancer use two types of strategies: positives or actives and negatives or passives. The first ones focus on the problem, they have better results and psychological adjustment as humor, religion and positive reevaluation. The second ones are usually associated with inestability and emotional distress such as blame and avoidance. Nursering does not have a protocol to identify emotional needs in breast cancer patients, they usuallly just do a general appreciation of their health.

Conclusion: It is necessary that the nursing staff are trained to help these patients develop strategies that allow them to adapt to their situation, as well as a protocol that helps identify their emotional needs.