Suggesting a Practical Theory to Oncology Nurses: Case Report of a Child in Discomfort

Purpose:Children with cancer are faced with many challenges related to their disease that disturbs their comfort. The aim of this study was to apply Kolcaba’s comfort theory for a child with cancer.Design:A case study design was used.Methods:We applied Kolcaba’s comfort theory for a young boy with cancer who was sad and in discomfort because of intravenous access procedures. Following Kolcaba’s taxonomy of needs for comfort in the spiritual and mental level, we designed a new intervention.Findings:Kolcaba’s comfort theory is an appropriate approach which not only helps to assess and evaluate comfort holistically but also assists in performing innovative interventions to provide comfort for children with cancer.Conclusions:Kolcaba’s comfort theory is a practical theory for oncology nurses.Clinical Relevance:Nursing theories can improve the quality of clinical care.