A qualitative study exploring the experiences of nurses delivering bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy.

BACKGROUND

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an effective treatment for preventing recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer; however, patients often withdraw early from the treatment. Nurses have an integral role in delivering and overseeing treatment. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perspectives on the factors that contribute to patients successfully completing BCG treatment.

METHOD: Three focus group interviews were conducted with nurses working at different hospitals in Norway. The empirical material was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

FINDINGS: The identified themes were 'relationship and continuity', 'knowledge and overview' and 'managing side effects'.

CONCLUSION

The study reveals several areas that nurses experience as contributing to patients completing their BCG treatment. The study also sheds light on how to improve practice through improved nurse training and optimalisation of interdisciplinary collaboration with urologists in order to assess and manage side effects in a more standardised way.