• Deborah L Volker, David Kahn, and Joy H Penticuff.
• Austin School of Nursing, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA. dvolker@mail.nur.utexas.edu
• Oncol Nurs Forum. 2004 Sep 1;31(5):954-60.

Purpose/ObjectivesTo explore the nature of what people with advanced cancer want regarding personal control and comfort at the end of life.Research ApproachDescriptive, naturalistic, using Denzins model of interpretive interactionism.SettingA variety of urban and rural communities throughout the state of Texas.Participants7 people with advanced cancer diagnoses.Methodologic ApproachParticipants were recruited via oncology advanced practice nurses who also participated in the study. Interviews were recorded on audiotape and analyzed via Denzins interpretive process of data analysis.Main Research VariablesPatient control.FindingsThematic analysis revealed six themes: protection of dignity, control of pain and other symptoms associated with disease, management of treatment, management of how remaining time is spent, management of impact on family, and control over the dying process.ConclusionsParticipants expressed a wide variety of preferences for personal control and comfort. Their desires reflected personal values and beliefs about how they spend their time and how they want control over their care.InterpretationNurses must be sensitive to the variety of preferences their patients with advanced cancer may have for engagement in decisions regarding treatment, care management, and activities of daily life.

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