Role Function
Roy and Andrews (1999) defined role function as the activities
assumed in society to accomplish a mission. Roles can
be primary (parent, spouse, or personal), secondary (professional
or occupational), or tertiary (group membership, community
role, or patient). Bone metastasis may affect the
patient’s ability to perform his or her role functions at many
levels and, as such, will alter the level of adaptation achieved.
Patients should be encouraged to discuss their concerns
regarding self-image, anxiety, and fear of treatment and prognosis.
The patient’s physical environment should be assessed
objectively and barriers to self-care modified. Participation in
family and occupational activities also may need to be altered.
Nurses should use nonjudgmental language when communicating
with family members. The nurse must be culturally
sensitive and address the specific communication needs of
patients and family members. The patient’s decreased functional
status can create stress between partners and within the
family as interdependence increases. Referrals to support
groups and social services will provide additional education
and aid in adjusting to new levels of personal, emotional, and
financial dependence. Every effort should be made to include
all members of the family who may be called upon to
assume new roles and responsibilities in discussions regarding
care.