Beyond Futility Study

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The purpose of this descriptive study is to explore the actions of exemplary Canadian oncology nurses (RNs) who do more when faced with situations where others turn away feeling that further interventions at diagnosis, during treatment, and/or in palliative situations are futile. From previous research we know that exemplary oncology nurses do more when faced with these situations (Perry, 2009) however this is an area that has not been studied in depth.

If you are willing to be a participant in this study by sharing the story or stories of a time during your nursing career when you did more for patients or their families when faced with futility, we would be delighted to hear from you. You can share your story in two ways:

Thank you for your interest in this project. We are hopeful that this research will lead to more knowledge about the actions of exemplary oncology nurses and ultimately in strategies for assisting oncology patients and their families when further interventions seem futile.

Beth Perry RN, PhD
Associate Professor
Center for Nursing and Health Studies
Athabasca University

Katherine Janzen RN, MN ONC(C)
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Mount Royal University


Sample Beyond Futility Stories