Divide and conquer: avoiding duplication in the reporting of qualitative research

Treatment Experiences Among People Who Use Opioids: A Social Ecological Approach

The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) and surge in overdose deaths remain key public health concerns. Despite evidence supporting the efficaciousness of medications for opioid use disorder, most people with OUD do not receive treatment. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 adults in a northeastern city to learn about their experiences with substance use treatment. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive thematic content analysis approach, and a social ecological model was applied to examine contextual factors affecting participants' experiences accessing and engaging in treatment. While we organized our findings following the individual, interpersonal, community, and society levels of the socio-ecological model, we also observed overlap and interconnectedness between and across these levels. Our findings suggest that retention in treatment often depends upon personal motivation, treatment availability, the match of the treatment modality to an individual's needs, and social support. A person-centered approach is needed to promote individualized care and tailor treatment components to the patient's needs.

Health-related information exchange experiences of Jordanian women at breast cancer diagnosis

The aim of this study was to explore Jordanian women's experiences of information exchange following diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. A purposive sample of 28 women who had surgery for early stage breast cancer within 6 months prior to the interview and had treatment at three hospitals in Central and Northern Jordan was recruited for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews focused on women's communication experiences at diagnosis and during cancer treatment. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed verbatim in Arabic, and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Three main themes associated with information exchange were revealed as follows: (1) knowledge about breast cancer and its treatment, (2) communication of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and (3) educating on treatment side effects. Misconceptions about breast cancer risk factors, consequences of breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer-related symptoms were common among participants. Women made important health-related decisions based on misconceptions. Physician's information giving, availability, and responses to women's questions varied by their level of education and the type and location of treatment facility. Informational exchange experiences vary among Jordanian women diagnosed with breast cancer and raise concern over opportunities offered these women to engage in informed decision making. Findings suggest a need for nurses to assess the information needs of Jordanian women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and provide education tailored to individual needs. There is also a need to develop Arabic educational materials and make these available for patients at treatment facilities in all regions of Jordan.

Self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative investigation from the perspective of participants in a nurse-led, shared-care programme in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem. Little is known about how people with type 2 diabetes experience self-management in a nurse-led, shared-care programme. The purpose of this article is to report an empirically grounded conceptualization of self-management in the context of autonomy of people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This study has a qualitative descriptive, and exploratory design with an inductive approach. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews. The sample consisted of older adults with type 2 diabetes in a nurse-led, shared-care setting. The data analysis was completed by applying the constant comparative analysis as recommended in grounded theory.

RESULTS

People with type 2 diabetes use three kinds of self-management processes: daily, off-course, and preventive. The steps for daily self-management are adhering, adapting, and acting routinely. The steps for off-course self-management are becoming aware, reasoning, deciding, acting, and evaluating. The steps for preventive self-management are experiencing, learning, being cautious, and putting into practice. These processes are interwoven and recurring.

CONCLUSION

Self-management consists of a complex and dynamic set of processes and it is deeply embedded in one's unique life situation. Support from diabetes specialist nurses and family caregivers is a necessity of self-managing diabetes.

Under-diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study in primary care

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is under-diagnosed and diagnosis often occurs late thereby reducing opportunities to prevent deterioration. Investigation of causes has focused on the use of spirometry but the role of attitudes of doctors and patients has not been directly investigated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with COPD and their general practitioners in two general practices in Tasmania who participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Practice records were examined and patients underwent spirometry, quality of life and symptom assessment. Iterative content analysis identified themes that were compared with quantitative data.

FINDINGS

For the 32 participating patients, mean recorded duration of COPD was 8.0 (SD 6.8) years and mean FEV(1)% predicted 38.4% (SD 19.8). Qualitative data were obtained from 14 (44%) of patients with COPD (5M/9F) and 16 general practitioners (GPs) (10M/6F). We identified three themes around the diagnosis of COPD in primary care: patients' labels, acquiring and communicating a diagnosis and consequences of delaying or withholding diagnosis. Doctors correctly recognised that patients were unfamiliar with COPD. They intentionally avoided early diagnosis as a result of nihilism and misperception of patients' attitudes. Patients often received the diagnosis from other sources and found delayed diagnosis frustrating.

INTERPRETATION

Nihilistic attitudes to COPD may explain the disappointing results from promotion of spirometry in primary care. Education about COPD for doctors in primary care is needed and action to increase awareness and understanding of COPD in the community.