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Yussof I, Mohamed Shah N, Ab Muin NF, Abd Rahim S, Hatah E, Mohd Tahir NA, Loganathan K, Munisamy M. Challenges in Obtaining and Seeking Information Among Breast Cancer Survivors in an Asian Country: a Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024; 39:383-390. [PMID: 38530598 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer survivors on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) have distinct information-seeking experience compared to those in the diagnosis and intensive treatment phase. This study aimed to understand the challenges in obtaining and seeking information among Malaysian breast cancer survivors. We conducted semi-structured, one-to-one interviews among patients using AET from two hospitals and a local cancer organization. Interviews were conducted until theme saturation was achieved (N = 25). Interviews were de-identified, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. To ensure rigor, coding was conducted through regular discussions between two researchers and the findings were shared with several participants after analysis was completed. Three main themes were identified: limitations in the healthcare system, pitfalls of seeking information online, and limited information from local sources. The participants perceived that their information needs were not met by their healthcare providers and sought information on the Internet to complement their information needs. However, they were faced with risks of misinformation, information overload, and unethical promotion of health products. Those with limited English proficiency had difficulties in accessing quality information, and suggested that there should be more content created by local health advocates in local languages, with information that is tailored for local cultures. As the Internet has become an important medium of health education, healthcare providers and patients should be equipped with the skills to share and search for information online. Digital health literacy needs to be incorporated in patient education modules to create a more informed and empowered patient community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izzati Yussof
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Pharmaceutical Services Division, Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Health Department, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noraida Mohamed Shah
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nur Fa'izah Ab Muin
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ernieda Hatah
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Asyikin Mohd Tahir
- Centre for Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Rooth K, Sundberg K, Gustavell T, Langius-Eklöf A, Gellerstedt L. Symptoms and need for individualised support during the first year after primary treatment for breast cancer-A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:2298-2308. [PMID: 38304937 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The survival rate among patients with breast cancer is high. It is well described that after primary treatment patients may experience symptoms and concerns but the needs and resources during the first year to manage everyday life are not well described. AIM To describe experiences of symptom distress, needs and support during the first year after primary treatment for breast cancer from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive. METHODS Data collection through individual interviews with patients (n = 17) and a focus group interview with healthcare professionals (n = 7). Data was analysed using thematic analysis and resulted in three themes. RESULTS The first theme, 'Struggling with symptoms and changes in everyday life' shows how symptoms and concerns interfered with the everyday life of patients and in some situations even impeded them. Patients try to adapt to their new situation by creating new routines and managing symptoms through self-care. The second theme, 'Adaption in a period of uncertainty' describes thoughts about cancer recurrence and doubts about continuing with the endocrine therapy if symptoms prolong. In the third theme, 'Support and need for individualized follow-up care' healthcare professionals described that they provide support by being available and by giving both verbal and written information. Patients expressed that the information could be too general and voiced a need for more individually tailored support. CONCLUSION During the first year after primary treatment, patients with breast cancer describe how they try to manage by themselves, but express both unmet needs and a wish for extended and more individually tailored support. The healthcare professionals recognised that patients lack a structured plan for the first year and the need for continued support. This stresses a need for development of care models with special consideration towards individualised support after breast cancer treatment. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public involvement in the design or conduct of the study. The interview study was not considered to benefit from involving patients or healthcare professionals when designing the interview guides as they were developed through literature and previous research of patients treated for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rooth
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kay Sundberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tina Gustavell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Cancer Theme, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Langius-Eklöf
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Gellerstedt
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Armoogum J, Foster C, Llewellyn A, Harcourt D, McCabe C. 'I think it affects every aspect of my life, really': Cancer survivors' experience of living with chronic pain after curative cancer treatment in England, UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290967. [PMID: 37656690 PMCID: PMC10473538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore cancer survivors' experiences of living with chronic pain after curative cancer treatment in England, UK. METHODS A qualitative study using telephone interviews with adult cancer survivors experiencing chronic pain after curative cancer treatment. Interview data was analysed using a reflexive thematic approach [1-3]. FINDINGS Nineteen participants: 14 female, 5 male, mean age 62.4 years, 1.5-48 years since cancer diagnosis, eight tumour groups represented. Six participants (31.6%) developed chronic pain more than ten years after completing cancer treatment (range 0-25 years). Five themes were generated which highlighted the experience of chronic pain after cancer treatment for cancer survivors: 1) 'Hear me… believe me…. Please'. Survivors felt that they had not been listened to when they tried to talk about their chronic pain after cancer treatment, nor at times, believed. 2) 'Expectation versus reality'. Survivors had anticipated returning to pre cancer quality of life yet living in chronic pain prevented them from doing so. 3) 'They don't understand…. We don't understand'. Cancer survivors did not feel informed or prepared for the risk or reality of chronic pain after cancer treatment and this compounded the difficulties of coping with and managing their pain. They felt health care professionals lacked knowledge and understanding of chronic pain after cancer. 4) 'Negotiating the maze'. Cancer survivors encountered unclear and limited pathways for support, often bouncing from one support team to another. Identifying and accessing services was a challenge, and the responsibility of this was often left to the survivor. 5) 'Validate my pain, validate me'. Palpable relief and benefit was felt when health care professionals diagnosed and acknowledged their chronic pain after cancer treatment. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors can feel ill prepared for the risk of chronic pain after cancer treatment and can experience challenges accessing support from healthcare professionals and clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Armoogum
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Foster
- Centre for Psychosocial Research in Cancer, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Llewellyn
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Harcourt
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Candida McCabe
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, United Kingdom
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Grynne A, Wångdahl J, Fristedt S, Smith F, Browall M. Women's experience of the health information process involving a digital information tool before commencing radiation therapy for breast cancer: a deductive interview study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:842. [PMID: 37559113 PMCID: PMC10410896 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09837-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer frequently request information before, throughout and after the treatment as a means to reduce distress. Nevertheless, the provision of information to meet individuals needs from their level of health literacy is often overlooked. Thus, individuals information needs are often unmet, leading to reports of discontent. Internet and digital information technology has significantly augmented the available information and changed the way in which persons accesses and comprehends information. As health information is no longer explicitly obtained from healthcare professionals, it is essential to examine the sequences of the health information process in general, and in relation to health literacy. This paper reports on qualitative interviews, targeting women diagnosed with breast cancer who were given access to a health information technology tool, Digi-Do, before commencing radiation therapy, during, and after treatment. METHODS A qualitative research design, inspired by the integrated health literacy model, was chosen to enable critical reflection by the participating women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women with access to a digital information tool, named Digi-Do, in addition to receiving standard information (oral and written) before commencing radiation therapy, during, and after treatment. A deductive thematic analysis process was conducted. RESULTS The results demonstrate how knowledge, competence, and motivation influence women's experience of the health information process. Three main themes were found: Meeting interactive and personal needs by engaging with health information; Critical recognition of sources of information; and Capability to communicate comprehended health information. The findings reflect the women's experience of the four competencies: to access, understand, appraise, and apply, essential elements of the health information process. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that there is a need for tailored digital information tools, such as the Digi-Do, to enable iterative access and use of reliable health information before, during and after the radiation therapy process. The Digi-Do can be seen as a valuable complement to the interpersonal communication with health care professionals, facilitating a better understanding, and enabling iterative access and use of reliable health information before, during and after the radiotherapy treatment. This enhances a sense of preparedness before treatment starts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Grynne
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.
- School of Research, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping university, Jönköping, Sweden.
- The Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Josefin Wångdahl
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofi Fristedt
- The Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Frida Smith
- Regional Cancer Centre West, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Browall
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- The Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Dep of Oncology, Inst of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ulman J, Serrant L, Dunham M, Probst H. Exploring women's experiences of breast or trunk lymphoedema following treatment for breast cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:64-79. [PMID: 37377220 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2218374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Background:The experiences of women who develop lymphoedema in the breast or trunk (BTL) after treatment for breast cancer have received little attention in either the academic or clinical setting. Consequently, women's support needs remain unrecognized.Objective and Design:As this study sought to gain an understanding of women's unheard experiences of a poorly understood condition, it was underpinned by The Silences Framework1 which facilitates research into sensitive or marginalized issues.Sample and Methods:Fourteen women with BTL participated in individual, unstructured interviews, some using photographs or drawings to reflect their experiences. The data was analyzed using the Listening Guide.2Findings:Participants revealed that they were unprepared for the development of BTL; for many, the symptoms were unfamiliar and distressing. Furthermore, their concerns were often dismissed by healthcare professionals (HCPs), leading to long delays in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For some women, the practical and emotional impact of developing BTL was profound.Practice Implications:Increased awareness and education about the risk of BTL as a potential side-effect of treatment for breast cancer is required for HCPs and patients. This will alleviate distress, better prepare patients, and ensure timely referral for treatment to manage this chronic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Ulman
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Serrant
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Heidi Probst
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Kularatna S, Allen M, Hettiarachchi RM, Crawford-Williams F, Senanayake S, Brain D, Hart NH, Koczwara B, Ee C, Chan RJ. Cancer Survivor Preferences for Models of Breast Cancer Follow-Up Care: Selecting Attributes for Inclusion in a Discrete Choice Experiment. THE PATIENT 2023:10.1007/s40271-023-00631-0. [PMID: 37213062 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-023-00631-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE It is critical to evaluate cancer survivors' preferences when developing follow-up care models to better address the needs of cancer survivors. This study was conducted to understand the key attributes of breast cancer follow-up care for use in a future discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey. METHODS Key attributes of breast cancer follow-up care models were generated using a multi-stage, mixed-methods approach. Focus group discussions were conducted with cancer survivors and clinicians to generate a range of attributes of current and ideal follow-up care. These attributes were then prioritised using an online survey with survivors and healthcare providers. The DCE attributes and levels were finalised via an expert panel discussion based on the outcomes of the previous stages. RESULTS Four focus groups were held, two with breast cancer survivors (n = 7) and two with clinicians (n = 8). Focus groups generated sixteen attributes deemed important for breast cancer follow-up care models. The prioritisation exercise was conducted with 20 participants (14 breast cancer survivors and 6 clinicians). Finally, the expert panel selected five attributes for a future DCE survey tool to elicit cancer survivors' preferences on breast cancer follow-up care. The final attributes included: the care team, allied health and supportive care, survivorship care planning, travel for appointments, and out-of-pocket costs. CONCLUSIONS Attributes identified can be used in future DCE studies to elicit cancer survivors' preferences for breast cancer follow-up care. This strengthens the design and implementation of follow-up care programs that best suit the needs and expectations of breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michelle Allen
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ruvini M Hettiarachchi
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, QLD, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fiona Crawford-Williams
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sameera Senanayake
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bogda Koczwara
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carolyn Ee
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond J Chan
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Shinall MC, Ely EW, Diehl C, Beskow LM. Patient Perspectives on Perioperative Supportive Care Needs Surrounding Major Abdominal Operations for Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:2597-2605. [PMID: 36463355 PMCID: PMC10184497 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12895-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of supportive care interventions delivered by surgeons for their patients is a major research priority. Designing such interventions requires understanding patients' supportive care needs for major operations. This qualitative analysis aimed to determine the supportive care needs of patients undergoing major abdominal operations for cancer. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants in a randomized, controlled trial of a specialist palliative care intervention for patients undergoing abdominal resections for cancer (NCT03436290). Sampling was designed to balance the population by sex, age (older vs. younger than 65 years), and treatment group assignment (intervention vs. control). The interview guide was developed to elicit patient perceptions of their supportive care needs from diagnosis to the time of interview, about 1 month after their operation. Two coders used an iterative, inductive method to identify recurring themes in the interviews. RESULTS Analysis of interview transcripts revealed five primary themes: preoperative preparation, postoperative recovery, expectation setting, coordination of care, and provider characteristics. Cutting across these themes were patients' focus on time, timeliness, and timelines, as well as their desires for information both from their surgeons and other sources. Surgeons inspired trust through the quality of their communication and their responsiveness to questions. Patients were sensitive to perceived deviations from their expectations and spoke of the need to develop patience and to expect the unexpected. CONCLUSIONS Patients expressed several needs for supportive care that surgical teams can potentially address to improve the experience of major cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrick C Shinall
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Section of Palliative Care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - E Wesley Ely
- Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonology, and Critical Care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Tennessee Valley Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carolyn Diehl
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Laura M Beskow
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Skorstad M, Vistad I, Fegran L, Berntsen S, Johannessen B. Nurse-led consultations reinforced with eHealth technology: a qualitative study of the experiences of patients with gynecological cancer. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:326. [PMID: 36434602 PMCID: PMC9701034 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-01104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, the health care profession has moved toward personalized care and has focused on the diversity of survivorship needs after initial cancer treatment. Health care providers encourage empowering patients to participate actively in their own health management and survivorship. Consequently, we developed and piloted a new follow-up model for patients at a Norwegian hospital, referred to as the Lifestyle and Empowerment Techniques in Survivorship of Gynecologic Oncology (LETSGO) model. Using LETSGO, a dedicated nurse replaces the physician in every second follow-up consultation, providing patients who have undergone cancer treatment with self-management techniques that are reinforced with eHealth technology via a specially designed app. Encouraging behavioral change and evaluating the late effects of treatment and recurrence symptoms are central components of self-management techniques. In addition, the app encourages physical activity and positive lifestyle changes, helps identify recurrence-related symptoms, and provides reminders of activity goals. This study aims to investigate experiences with nurse-led consultations supported by eHealth technology among the patients who piloted the LETSGO intervention. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to analyze the participants' experiences with the LETSGO intervention after six to seven months. RESULTS The participants in the LETSGO pilot felt safe and well cared for. They thought the nurse was less busy than the doctors appear to be, which made it easy for them to share any cancer-related challenges. Many participants reported increased empowerment and confidence in recognizing symptoms of cancer recurrence, and participants who used the app regularly were motivated to increase their physical activity levels. However, the participants also experienced some limitations and technical errors with the app. CONCLUSIONS Generally, the participants positively received the nurse-led consultations and eHealth technology, but an intervention study is required for further evaluation. In addition, the reported technical app errors should be resolved and tested prior to eHealth application implementation. Regardless, this study may be useful in planning personalized survivorship care studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03453788 . Registration March 5, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Skorstad
- grid.417290.90000 0004 0627 3712Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sorlandet Hospital HF, Egsveien 100, 4615 Kristiansand, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Clinical Institute II, Medical Department, University of Bergen, Haukelandsveien 28, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingvild Vistad
- grid.417290.90000 0004 0627 3712Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sorlandet Hospital HF, Egsveien 100, 4615 Kristiansand, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Clinical Institute II, Medical Department, University of Bergen, Haukelandsveien 28, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Liv Fegran
- grid.23048.3d0000 0004 0417 6230Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Sveinung Berntsen
- grid.23048.3d0000 0004 0417 6230Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Berit Johannessen
- grid.23048.3d0000 0004 0417 6230Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
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Aunan ST, Wallgren GC, Hansen BS. The value of information and support; Experiences among patients with prostate cancer. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:1653-1664. [PMID: 33590945 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore and analyse prostate cancer survivors` experiences and critical reflections of information received during their cancer trajectory. BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. Treatment causes side effects such as urinary incontinence, bowel changes and erection problems influencing sex life and manhood. Cancer pathways are designed to give patients and their relatives a predictable and as stress-free as possible treatment trajectory and minimise waiting time. DESIGN Qualitative, explorative research design. METHODS Focus groups with 16 prostate cancer survivors after having participated in an educational programme. The COREQ checklist was followed to ensure rigour in the study. RESULTS The main theme, 'Help me stay in control', and three subthemes, 'To be met with interest and support, enough knowledge to understand what is happening and a plan to build the new life on', emerged from qualitative analysis and highlighted the participants' need for information and support, specially scheduled at critical times in the treatment trajectory: the diagnostic phase, the treatment phase and the life after treatment. They also highlighted the need for empathy and interest from healthcare professionals and highlighted the need for arenas to discuss vulnerable topics. Contact with peers was perceived as supportive and encouraging. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals must support prostate cancer survivors with empathy, interest and information tailored to their needs in three different phases. Continuity in information flow may increase trust and satisfaction among the prostate cancer survivors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE PCa patients' need for information varied at critical times in their treatment trajectory. HCP should meet them with empathy and interest to be able to tailor their need for information and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Tove Aunan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Caring and Ethics, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Gry Ciekals Wallgren
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Britt Saetre Hansen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Quality and Safety in Health Care Systems, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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What can a third sector organisation provide for people with breast cancer that public health services cannot? Developing support services in response to service evaluation. Eur J Integr Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2019.100943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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