Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40462497›Full record

ArticleJournal of advanced nursing2026

Beyond Everyday Small Talk: A Qualitative Study on Registered Nurses' Confidential Conversations in Palliative Care.

Tove Stenman, Ylva Rönngren, Ulla Näppä, Christina Melin Johansson

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of advanced nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Confidential Conversations in Palliative Care: Capability, Vulnerability, and Relational Encounter.Nursing philosophy : an international journal for healthcare professionals · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Tove StenmanDepartment of Health Sciences; Nursing Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1387-9152
Ylva RönngrenDepartment of Health Sciences; Nursing Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0002-7866
Ulla NäppäDepartment of Health Sciences; Nursing Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3075-0833
Christina Melin JohanssonDepartment of Health Sciences; Nursing Science, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9623-5813

Funding

Mid Sweden University
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimTo explore and gain a deeper understanding of how registered nurses in palliative care develop personal and professional approaches in confidential conversations with patients.

designA qualitative study using focus groups.

methodBetween March and May 2024, 22 registered nurses working in specialised palliative care in the northern region of Sweden participated in five focus groups. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretive description.

findingsRegistered nurses pursued meaningful, supportive interactions during confidential conversations. Their reflections revealed vulnerabilities and the importance of continuous self-reflection, fostering growth, resilience and professional development. They sought ways to process emotional challenges, from individual reflection to peer discussions and structured supervision, refining their approaches. Four themes emerged: balancing external demands with inner motivation, recognising personal limitations, managing compassion with professional responsibility and gradually building trust.

conclusionReflection and continuous professional development are essential for navigating confidential conversations in palliative care. These practices help registered nurses balance empathy with boundaries whilst managing emotional and professional challenges. Peer support and shared learning, as well as fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience can enhance care quality and promote sustained professional growth across healthcare settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This study highlights the emotional challenges registered nurses face in confidential conversations with patients at the end of life. Reflection and support help them handle these challenges and promote person-centred care by enabling patients to express their inner thoughts and wishes. The findings apply to palliative care and other settings caring for patients at the end of life. REPORTING

methodFindings were reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.

Indexed as

CommunicationConfidentialityNurse-Patient RelationsNursesPalliative CareAdultAttitude of Health PersonnelEmpathyFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchSwedenconfidential conversationsfocus groupsnursenurse–patient relationsnursingpalliative careprofessional developmentprofessional educationreflective practice

Identifiers

PMID40462497
PMCPMC12810652

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.