Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40488697›Full record

ReviewJournal of advanced nursing2026

The Nurse's Role in Curative-to-Palliative Transitions in Advanced Cancer: A Theory Synthesis Using Turner's Method.

Geya George, Deborah Kirk, Davina Porock

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review 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 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing 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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
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

3 authors.

Geya GeorgeSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5158-7687
Deborah KirkSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2992-3389
Davina PorockSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4161-9697

Funding

Carol Cameron Memorial Scholarship
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimThis paper aims to explain the process of formulating a robust theory that comprehensively explains the nurse's role during the transition from curative to the palliative phase in advanced cancer care.

designA qualitative theory synthesis approach was applied, utilising Turner's 9-step theory synthesis method to integrate five grounded theories and 10 qualitative studies. The Walker and Avant method of concept development and analysis further ensured rigour.

methodsTurner's theory synthesis was used to formulate a more comprehensive, testable theory from five existing grounded theories and 10 other qualitative studies that explain the nurse's role in supporting and facilitating the transition from curative to palliative care in oncology.

resultsThe synthesis preparation stage involved a detailed literature review that located five grounded theories and 10 qualitative studies. The theory synthesis phase from steps 1-8 produced the following theory. 'During transitions from curative to palliative care in advanced cancer, nurses perform various roles that fall within the known and recognised-"visible spectrum" and the unknown and unrecognised-"invisible spectrum". Step 9 involves the refinement of the theory by further interrogation of its merit in the real world.

conclusionTheory synthesis offers a new possibility of cumulating all the evidence research that is already done to adapt it to practice and helping to build theory-driven evidence-based practice. IMPACT: This paper offers a novel theoretical framework that explicates the visible and invisible roles of nurses in transitioning patients with advanced cancer from curative to palliative care. It contributes to clinical practice by clarifying complex nursing responsibilities that are often unacknowledged, such as brokering referrals, emotional reframing and cultural advocacy. The theory, validated through expert review, can inform curriculum development, support professional recognition and guide practice standards. Broader impacts include enhancing patient-centred care, improving interdisciplinary collaboration and shaping policies that acknowledge the full scope of nursing work in oncology and palliative care transitions. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Indexed as

NeoplasmsNurse's RoleOncology NursingPalliative CareAdultAgedFemaleGrounded TheoryHumansMaleMiddle AgedQualitative Researchcancercurativemethodologynursespalliativeroletheory synthesistransitionTurners method

Identifiers

PMID40488697
PMCPMC13176730

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Registered trials

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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.