An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of living with colorectal cancer as a chronic illness.

Related Articles

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of living with colorectal cancer as a chronic illness.

J Clin Nurs. 2018 May 12;:

Authors: McGeechan GJ, McPherson KE, Roberts K

Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of patients living with cancer as a chronic illness.
BACKGROUND: Due to recent advances in detection and treatment, cancer is now regarded as a chronic illness. However, living with cancer as a chronic illness can lead to a number of physical and psychosocial consequences all of which can lead to uncertainty over how patients view and plan for their future.
DESIGN: A longitudinal qualitative study.
METHODS: Individuals attending oncology follow-up clinics with their clinical nurse specialist at a hospital in the North East of England were invited to participate in two semi-structured interviews over a 6-month period. A total of six individuals consented to participate, of whom two were women. One participant could not be contacted for the second interview, resulting in 11 interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
RESULTS: Two superordinate themes emerged from the analysis; physical and psychological consequences of cancer; and adapting to life after treatment.
CONCLUSION: The experience of future disorientation was common amongst participants however this was impacted on by a number of factors such as functional impairment, and fear of recurrence. Furthermore, future disorientation does not appear to be stable and may ease as patients begin to adjust to the uncertainty of living with colorectal cancer as a chronic illness. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 29752847 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2GeGfy0