Toward A Germinal Theory of Knowing- Revealing-Humanizing as Expressions of Caring in Cancer Palliative Care

OBJECTIVE: Survival chances of people with cancer in Nigeria are far worse than those in developed countries. While the chance of finding a lasting solution to cancer in Nigeria is remote, patients living with cancer still need treatment regardless of the terminal outcome, and hence cancer palliative care is necessitated. Caring patterns and expressions differ in diverse contexts. Therefore, this article aimed to present the meanings and expectations of caring and the resulting transformative theory of practice. METHODS: A descriptive, qualitative inquiry was conducted with a purposive sample of 12 cancer palliative patients, 9 nurses, 3 physicians, and 5 relatives who were approached for an in-depth interview about their conceived meanings and expectations of caring for or being cared for in the cancer palliative unit. RESULTS: Cancer palliative care in Nigeria is best exemplified through the processes/themes of “knowing,” “revealing,” and “humanizing.” The meaning of care and the expectations of the patients and caregivers were grouped into these three overarching processes which then informed the conceptualization of a germinal theory of knowing-revealing-humanizing (TKRH) as expressions of caring in cancer palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the KRH practice processes is illustrated as a transformative germinal theory of practice. This TKRH as expressions of caring is transformative and can restore positive meanings in the life-world of persons in the cancer palliative care setting.