Patients’ perspectives on creating a personal safety net during chemotherapy

Nurses are critical to the physical management and psychological support of patients undergoing chemotherapy, which is a vulnerable time for many. This article presents the results of a qualitative study intended to explore the experience of Japanese patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy, including the finding that participants created personal safety nets in physical, emotional, and social contexts that helped them to gain confidence in their ability to exert control over their lives. Understanding each patient’s personal safety net allows nurses to support their patients in maintaining and improving their function and well-being. At a Glance • Patients with cancer create personal safety nets in physical, emotional, and social contexts during chemotherapy. • Nurses can reduce patients’ distress, strengthen their safety nets, and empower them to lead meaningful lives. • Nursing care should serve as a safety net for patients undergoing chemotherapy and promote the feeling of safety.