Health advocacy in oncology nursing: an integrative literature review

ABSTRACT

Objective

To identify the scientific production on the theme of patient advocacy by nurses in the context of oncology.

Method

An integrative review with search and selection of primary studies conducted in February 2020 in four relevant databases in the health area: Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane, and PubMed. The sample consisted of 11 studies from a universe of 395 articles. The 11 studies were grouped into two categories.

Results

From the synthesis of the evidence, it was possible to elaborate the categories according to the most addressed themes: "Situations experienced by patients and nurses in which advocacy is necessary" and "Strategies that improve the exercise of advocacy", which was subdivided into three subcategories: Self-advocacy; Support and advocacy systems for patients; Patient-Centered Communication (PCC) and Shared Decision-Making (SDM).

Conclusions and implications for practice

The importance of the exercise of advocacy by nurses in oncology is evident in the studies, based on the need for communication, education, support, and recognition of the need to intervene when necessary, considering ethics as a guide to assist in decision-making, reinforcing the need for reflections on the theme by strengthening and technically basing the professional practice.

Keywords:
Nursing; Medical Oncology; Patient Advocacy; Health Advocacy; Relational Autonomy