Vigilance is a poorly defined and rarely researched phenomenon in the literature. Despite this, vigilance is recommended as the solution to many problems such as symptom recognition and patient safety. Vigilance is defined as a variable state of knowledgeable watchfulness, which is responsive to perceived, actual, and potential threats. Vigilance is influenced by dynamic states, as well as by psychological and physiological variables. The use of vigilance is essential for optimal decision-making strategies, which influence outcomes. Threats of infection and other complications associated with an immunocompromised state require a high level of vigilance. Cancer patients, at risk for neutropenia (CPNs) are particularly susceptible to infectious processes. Up to 40% of CPNs develop infections which progress to life-threatening sepsis. Of those cancer patients that develop sepsis, the mortality rate is high, from 50 to 80% depending on the type of cancer. The purpose of this research is to investigate the vigilance process from the perspective of adult CPNs, their families, and their healthcare providers. A qualitative, phenomenological pilot study will be conducted to explore perceptions of vigilance through interviews with triads (N=7-10) consisting of a CPN, one of the CPNs family members, and one of nurses working with the CPN and their family. Analysis will be done using Colaizzi’s approach for each group separately and comparisons of themes will be done via matrix analysis. Literature has indicated that patients, families of patients, and healthcare providers experience vigilance differently from one another. To understand vigilance from a multidimensional perspective, the input from each of these participants is imperative. How vigilance may be used by CPNs, their families, and healthcare providers, to resolve issues such as patient safety and improve self care abilities will be explored.
Session #1219 - Poster Session I
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)