Applicability of the scientific method of the phenomenology of the practice of oncologic nursing

BACKGROUND: The phenomenology deals with the practice of a qualitative scientific method,endorsed by van Manen who aims to analyse the phenomenon associated with what is experiencedby the person. The hermeneutic phenomenology of van Manen has been particularly influent in theinvestigation of the experience lived associated in situations of health/disease. This method articulatesthe phenomenology, hermeneutics, semiotics, using a process of research which incorporates aconsideration of what is experienced, that values and improves the understanding of the humanexperience[1]. It is a scientific and rigorous method to analyse phenomenological data collected fromvarious sources[2]. The bibliometry concept is co-substantiated in the use of the statistical andmathematical methods, that is, quantitative methods, from the original items available in thedatabases[3,4]. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to identify in the scientific literature, the applicability ofthe scientific method of phenomenology in oncologic nursing practice through a bibliometric research.METHODS: As a method a bibliometric review was used, using bibliometric indicators, setting up aquantitative and objective consideration. RESULTS: We gathered 19 items to analyse, being that, 73%of the items have as a target population the oncologic patient. In this population the predominanttopic is the experiencing of the disease and the specific treatment procedures. The rest of the itemsare directed at the parents of the oncologic patient and the care giving nurses in this field. The reviewsare published in magazines with an average impact factor of 1,337 and with a maximum of 54registered citations. Based on the observation of the bibliometric map we are able to confirm theassociation of the terms experience, study and cancer, besides this, these stand out more, whichmeans that these are the terms which had a greater number of citations. The words patient andmeaning are emphasised in a strong correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the scientificmethod of phenomenology of the oncologic nursing practice is important for the understanding of themeaning of the life experience in the process of the oncologic disease, because it allows for theunderstanding of the needs, emotions, the care which has consequences in the provision of care.